Exclusive: How Denis Onyango inspired recalled Angola keeper Hugo Marques

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango’s decision to come out of international retirement for Uganda seems to have inspired some of his peers in Africa.

The former SuperSport United custodian had called it time on his career with the Cranes after a failed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualification bid.

Some four years later, Onyango announced that he had retired from retirement to help the Cranes’ bid for a maiden qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

The reunion in Uganda’s camp impressed former Cape Town City FC’s net-minder Hugo Marques who made friends with the Sundowns’ second-choice keeper during the Angolan’s spell in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Now, following his recall to Angola national team, Margues has revealed how Onyango inspired him.

What did Hugo Marques tell Denis Onyango?

The Petro de Luanda FC’s shot-stopper talked to Pan-Africa Football exclusively on Monday to give his reaction to his recall to the Palancas Negras squad. Marques was sidelined from the Angola assignments for over two years after reportedly failing out with Pedro Gonçalves, the previous coach for the Palancas Negras.

The 39-year-old could not hide his excitement new Palancas Negras boss Patrice Beamuelle recalled him to the squad.

“Hard work and always believe. When you have your job you are always working for new chances. I know I am 39 but I want to go to Morocco and perform well,” he told Pan-Africa Football.

He further revealed how Onyango’s recent comeback from retirement with Cranes inspired him.

“I am very excited to be back to the Palancas Negras, to the national team of Angola. After seeing my friend Denis Onyango return to Uganda, I talked to him and I said: ’I must come back because I have too much passion for my job, for my position.’

“I have to give all of me to the national team and to the nation. When we have this commitment, the passion and the love for football, we must go ahead and don’t give up,” he said.

The appointment of the Frenchman to replace Pedro Gonçalves has opened the door of national team recall for the Petro de Luanda FC’s shot stopper. Marques is not the only player who is back in Angola squad following the sacking of Gonçalves.

Winger Ary Papel has also been recalled after being sidelined for two years owing to alleged personal differences with the previous coach. Angola return to action early next month for academic 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Eswatini (October 8) and Cameroon (October 13).

The Angolans are out of the qualification race for Africa after suffering a home 0-1 loss to Libya weeks ago.