Sundowns' ageless Onyango reveals Ronaldo's inspiration

Mamelodi Sundowns' Ugandan ageless goalkeeper Denis Onyango has shared his biggest sources of motivation for him to continue excelling at the highest level for the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) club and country.

The 40-year-old recently came out of retirement to rejoin Uganda's squad, deputising Richards Bay FC's Salim Magoola at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The 2016 CAF Champions League winner credited the Betway Premiership champions and his family for pushing him to stay and play at the highest level, with the national team having earlier announced his retirement.

Onyango then shared how coach Paul Put's approach to the national team business and his interest in bringing him on board to groom up-and-coming keepers played a part in his decision to come out of retirement.

"What motivated me most was the direction the team was taking. I followed the qualifiers closely and saw a group with strong character and a clear identity. They were growing into a solid team, and that gave me confidence," the Ugandan told the Confederation of African Football website.

"The biggest motivation, however, was the opportunity to compete again at the highest level. Playing at an Africa Cup of Nations is always special, and that alone is a powerful motivation.

"I was also encouraged to return to help the young goalkeepers, especially after Isma Watenga’s long-term injury. The [Paul Put] coach believed I could contribute both on and off the pitch, and the confidence he showed in me played a big role in my decision.

"Representing the national team means a lot to me, and although it was not an easy choice, I focused on the positives."

ONYANGO INSPIRED BY RONALDO AND PELEMBE

The Ugandan also disclosed that he draws inspiration from well-known football stars, including Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Mozambique captain Elias Dominguez Pelembe. The former SuperSport United and Sundowns winger came on as a second-half substitute for Mozambique as they lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast on Tuesday, officially becoming AFCON's second highest oldest player at the age of 42.

"It is very significant. I am not young anymore, but when you see players like Cristiano Ronaldo still performing at 40, or someone like Mozambique captain Elias Pelembe still going strong at 42, it is inspiring. Age becomes less important when you focus on quality, experience and what you bring to the team," Onyango added.

"For me, being here allows me to share my experience with the younger players, especially the goalkeepers, and help raise the overall level of the team. That makes this moment even more meaningful.

"Honestly, I never imagined I would be playing at AFCON at 40. I believed the younger generation would take over completely, and they have done very well to qualify the team for this tournament."

Onyango, who was on the bench on Tuesday when Uganda lost 3-1 to Tunisia in a Group C contest, further credited Sundowns for taking care of him on and off the field of play.

"My recall reflects the work I have continued to do at club level with Sundowns, even without playing regularly. The coaches saw that I could still inspire the team and share my experience. Working with the young goalkeepers and pushing them to improve has been a big source of motivation for me," he said.

"Discipline has been key. My club has taken very good care of me and helped keep me in shape. I am very strict with my training, recovery, diet and rest. My family has also played a huge role. My wife and children constantly remind me of who I am and what I am capable of.

"All of that keeps me focused and motivated. Football has given me everything, and I believe I must always give everything back to the game."

Onyango is expected to retain his place in Uganda's playing squad when they face Tanzania on Saturday in a clash of East African rivals.