Due to his dedicated services to the national team, the Federation of Uganda Football Association-FUFA will honour Ex Uganda Cranes Captain Denis Masinde Onyango with a testimonial match.
This was revealed by FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and said, “Fufa took a decision to organize testimonial matches for national team players who retire after 8 years of service or those that have put indelible marks to the team as decided by the Fufa Executive. Definitely, Onyango will have the option to take the testimonial match at the right timing,” Magogo said.
The Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalkeeper made his Cranes debut against Cape Verde in 2005 and retires with 79 caps for the national team. He was named Cranes captain in April 2017 following the retirement of veteran striker Geoffrey Massa.
Magogo described Onyango as one of the best goalkeepers he has watched in the World, adding that he sees him as a great athlete, disciplined sportsman and patriotic footballer.
“Let us Celebrate Uganda’s greatest goalkeeper ever. Another icon of Ugandan football draws the curtains to such an illustrious career with the Uganda Cranes. Denis Masinde Onyango has been the best goalkeeper I have watched in the World. For those who follow, it is not the first time I am saying this.”
“We have always been sure that there is Denis to carry the team when it needed the goalkeeper. He has been a great athlete, disciplined sportsman and patriotic footballer,” Magogo said.
“He has taken the choice to retire and we should celebrate him for the hard decision. If you asked me, he is one of those few players that should have stayed forever but we have to accept that players come and go. It is just human.”
Magogo also revealed that Onyango wanted to quit Uganda immediately after Malawi defeat but advised him to wait for better timing.
“Denis wanted to announce his retirement in Malawi immediately after the game but was advised to hold on for better timing. There was always not going to be the right timing for Denis to retire.”
A testimonial match in football is a non-competitive game that is used to honour a long-serving player of the club or country when the player retires from the game.
Onyango announced his retirement from international football earlier this week.