Mamelodi Sundowns start African tour in Uganda, honour Denis Onyango

South African football giants Mamelodi Sundowns are set to begin their African tour in Uganda, the home country of legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango.

The club announced the exciting news on their official social media accounts, revealing plans to host football clinics and community outreach programs across the continent.

“Mamelodi Sundowns is excited to announce the first leg of our African Tour, with the first destination being Uganda, the home of all-time African great and Mamelodi Sundowns legend, Denis ‘Masinde’ Onyango,” the club stated. “Through friendship and football clinics, the goal is to give back to football-loving countries across the continent.”

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) also confirmed the visit, stating, “Friendship and football are bringing Mamelodi Sundowns to Uganda. Uganda Cranes and Mamelodi Sundowns legend, Denis ‘Masinde’ Onyango, will be in town for the football clinics this Saturday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.”

Onyango, who has been a key figure at Mamelodi Sundowns since 2011, expressed his excitement about the tour on social media. “Get ready, Uganda! Mamelodi Sundowns is thrilled to kick off our African Tour in the Pearl of Africa by honoring me with a football clinic and community outreach program this Saturday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo,” he tweeted.

The tour will begin on Thursday, March 20, with a visit to Ntanda College in Butambala, followed by stops at FUFA and SC Villa, Onyango’s former club, on Friday. The final day, Saturday, March 22, will feature football clinics at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo from 9 am to 1 pm.

The Mamelodi Sundowns delegation will include academy coaches, club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, the marketing team, and goalkeeper trainer Kennedy Mweene.

Onyango, who retired from international football in 2021 after 79 appearances for the Uganda Cranes, is one of the most decorated players in Mamelodi Sundowns’ history. His illustrious career includes 16 trophies with Sundowns, such as seven Premier Soccer League titles, a CAF Champions League trophy, and individual accolades like being named CAF’s African-based Player of the Year in 2016.

The tour highlights Sundowns’ commitment to fostering football development and strengthening ties across the continent.