Denis Onyango embraces new technical role with Uganda Cranes ahead of CHAN

Former Uganda Cranes captain and legendary goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango has expressed his pride and gratitude after receiving an invitation to join the national team’s technical staff ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Currently on the books of South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, Onyango is set to work closely with Uganda Cranes goalkeepers coach Billy Kiggundu, specifically bringing his wealth of experience to the goalkeeping unit, while also offering mentorship across the squad.

“For me personally, it was a great honour to be called in by the federation to be part of the technical team that is helping the team get better, and that’s very important,” said Onyango. “As a former national player, I felt it’s important to be here, giving the boys some knowledge and helping coach Kiggundu, but also to tell the boys the importance of the tournament.”

Widely considered one of the best goalkeepers Africa has ever produced, Onyango brings not only elite-level experience but also a winning mentality that he believes can help inspire the current squad.

“I’m here to share knowledge with the in-field players on the importance of the tournament, as well as winning, using the methods I know,” he added. “For me, it was a yes from the word go, joining the team and working with the young players. It also helps me learn more about football because I also get knowledge from them.”

He reserved special encouragement for the young goalkeepers, urging them to build self-belief and embrace the demands of playing at this level.

“For the young goalkeepers, it’s more about confidence because I have been at this level before and I know what they can do,” Onyango explained. “Goalkeeping has always been one of the best performing areas at the national team and in Uganda, and we need to maintain that. But we can’t maintain it if we don’t share knowledge.”

Uganda Cranes will open their CHAN 2025 campaign in Group C against Algeria on August 4 at the Mandela National Stadium. The group also features Guinea, Niger, and South Africa in what promises to be a tightly contested pool in the TotalEnergies CHAN tournament.