Denis Onyango Turns 40 as Mamelodi Sundowns Face Key Decisions About His Future
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango will mark a major milestone this week as he celebrates his 40th birthday on Thursday. As one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, Onyango reaches this personal achievement while his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, edges closer to securing yet another league title in South Africa.
The Ugandan international is already a legend at the club, having been part of the Sundowns setup since 2011. Despite now playing second fiddle to Ronwen Williams, Onyango has featured in 12 matches this season, keeping an impressive eight clean sheets. His ongoing contributions highlight both his enduring class and professionalism, even as he nears the twilight of his playing career.
A Rare Club of Football Longevity
Onyango is now poised to join an elite group of players who have played in South Africa’s top-flight past their 40th birthday. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has seen only a handful of footballers perform at that age, with Andre Arendse holding the record as the oldest player to ever appear in a PSL match. Arendse played in May 2013 for BidVest Wits at the age of nearly 46, coming out of retirement due to an injury crisis at the club.
Other names who have featured beyond the age of 40 in the PSL include Bruce Grobbelaar, who famously played a single match against Kaizer Chiefs at the age of 44 in 2002, as well as Vuyo Mere, Siyabonga Nomvete, Hans Vonk, and the late Arthur Bartman.
Uncertainty Over His Future
While Onyango’s illustrious playing career continues, his future at Mamelodi Sundowns remains uncertain. His current contract is set to expire at the end of June, and no official extension has been announced yet. However, this website understands that an important meeting between Onyango and club officials has been scheduled for immediately after the CAF Champions League final.
This meeting will likely determine whether the 40-year-old shot-stopper remains at Chloorkop in a playing or potentially non-playing capacity. With the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, both the player and club will want clarity on his role before the squad travels for that global competition.
A Career Full of Silverware
Onyango’s career is one that few African footballers can match. Since joining Sundowns in 2011, he has amassed an incredible 20 major trophies. These include:
- 12 PSL titles
- 1 CAF Champions League
- 1 CAF Super Cup
- 1 African Football League
- 3 Nedbank Cups
- 2 Telkom Knockout trophies
- 1 MTN8 title
His impact extends beyond club level, having been a crucial figure for the Ugandan national team over the years and serving as an inspiration for young goalkeepers across the continent.
As Onyango celebrates his 40th birthday, the accolades continue to roll in—but the questions about his next chapter remain. Whether he extends his playing days for another season or transitions into a different role at Sundowns, his legacy in African football is already firmly cemented.
One thing is clear: Denis Onyango’s journey is far from over, and the coming weeks will play a key role in shaping the final chapter of a storied career.
