Sundowns can’t let AFL trophy leave South Africa – Onyango

Denis Onyango will go down as one of Africa’s most decorated players when he closes the chapter on his glittering playing career.

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At 38 years of age, this might be the former African-based Footballer of the Year’s last season at Mamelodi Sundowns in a playing capacity.

Before the former Ugandan captain can even think of retirement, he has another huge responsibility to help the Brazilians capture another continental title to add to his 2016 CAF Champions League and 2017 Super Cup medals.

Onyango is playing second fiddle to Ronwen Williams who is new number one at Chloorkop. However, his experience will no doubt come in handy as Sundowns gear up for the second leg of the African Football League final against Wydad Casablanca on Sunday.

“The most important thing for me is to try and help everyone feel comfortable in the team. If Ronwen Williams is doing well then good for the team because we’re here to make sure the club wins,” Onyango said about his role within the Sundowns change room.

“I took over from Kennedy Mweene who was an African champion with Zambia and he made me feel comfortable to help me achieve what I achieved. So it’s also my duty to help Ronwen and the young ones who are taking over to be comfortable and win as much as they can.

“Of course, I want to play but if the situation requires me to support whoever is in goal, then I have to do that because the club comes first. I have to also keep pushing because if I let go, that means Ronwen will be in a comfort zone which is not good.”

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Sundowns will need to be at their best to get the better of the North African team at Loftus Versfeld where they trail 2-1 on aggregate. Having already seen two red cards enroute to the final, Downs can’t afford to be overawed by the occasion and discipline will also be important for the crucial game.

“We’ve had a few issues in the previous game with players getting red cards and some suspended before the final,” Onyango added.

“I think the players know the task that is ahead of us. You want to try and win the game as soon as possible and not take it too far into extra-time and make it more complicated.

“We’ve seen what happens in penalty shootout, it becomes a lottery. The team is focused not to let the supporters down because the trophy is in South Africa and we can’t let it leave the country.”