Mamelodi Sundowns legend Denis Onyango believes the Brazilians are set up for a decade of dominance after lifting their second CAF Champions League title. Photo: Oupa Mokoena Independent Media
Image: Oupa Mokoena Independent Media
Denis Onyango believes Mamelodi Sundowns have built the perfect platform to remain a dominant force in African football for years to come following their CAF Champions League triumph.
The veteran goalkeeper spoke during Sundowns’ celebratory bus parade through Mamelodi on Tuesday, after the Brazilians secured their second continental crown with victory over AS FAR Rabat in Morocco. For Onyango, the achievement carried emotional significance beyond simply adding another trophy to the club’s cabinet.
The Ugandan international was also part of the Sundowns side that conquered Africa for the first time back in 2016 and admitted this latest success felt symbolic for the club’s growth over the last decade.
“This is very special, we’re changing the day the badge looks like,” Onyango said, while standing alongside club captain Themba Zwane. “This feels like an anniversary for us because we last won it ten years ago as well.”
Denis Onyango. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Sundowns’ latest triumph also arrives during a new financial era for African football after CAF significantly increased prize money for continental competitions.
“It’s a different trophy of course with more money and it’s an inspiration for the youngsters,” Onyango added.
The 40-year-old believes one of the club’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to continuously regenerate talent through its development structures. Sundowns increasingly integrated younger players into the first team throughout the campaign, with several academy graduates contributing during their continental run.
“We have a lot of youngsters from the DDC as well and they contributed in this Champions League and it shows the club is moving in the right direction in giving opportunities at the highest level.”
That combination of experienced leaders and emerging talent is exactly why Onyango believes Sundowns can continue competing for major honours across the continent.
The veteran goalkeeper admitted he feels privileged to have witnessed two separate golden generations at the club during his career.
“I’m just grateful to be a part of two generations that won the Champions League,” he reflected. “And I believe we can still win it if we continue to fight and give our best all the time.”
What perhaps strengthens Onyango’s belief even further is the culture Sundowns have now established around continental football.
Unlike in previous eras where South African clubs often struggled to consistently challenge in Africa, Sundowns have increasingly normalised deep CAF Champions League runs over the last decade.
Their ability to attract international talent, retain experienced leaders and continuously refresh the squad with younger players has allowed them to remain competitive despite changing coaches and evolving generations.
With Sundowns now returning to the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029 and strengthening their status as one of Africa’s modern superpowers, Onyango’s prediction may already be beginning to take shape.