Onyango tells Goss, February to wait their turn
Ugandan wants 10 league winners’ medals
Denis Onyango has urged fellow Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeepers Ricardo Goss and Jody February to work hard and earn their place in the starting line-up, as noone will hand it to them on a silver platter.
The veteran keeper, recently named PSL goalkeeper of the season again, has made the No 1 jersey his own, as Goss and February patiently wait for their chance.
This past season Onyango made 34 appearances for the Brazilians in all competitions with 18 clean sheets. Goss made five appearances in both the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League, while February is yet to make his Downs debut.
“We all didn’t come to Sundowns and start playing immediately. Jody and Goss have brought in something different in the team,” Onyango said.
“We believe they have the quality and where they are coming from they were winning. Goss is one for the future for Bafana Bafana and I believe if he gets more game time, he will eventually get the No 1 spot.
“Jody has a future with Sundowns and the national team as well. For me, to be there, they are pushing me to work hard and them to work hard because we can’t give it to them on a silver plate.
“They must work for it and in the upcoming few years, they will be No1 at Sundowns. They made me a better keeper this season. I got 15 clean sheets [in league fixtures], I’ve never been to that number.
“It shows that the goalkeeping department has done a fantastic job. We learn from each other and whoever plays, he gives his best.”
Having played a role in Sundowns winning their fourth league title in succession and his eighth medal in the Premier Soccer League, the 36-year-old is targeting 10 Premiership gold medals before he can hang up his gloves.
“I need to keep going. That’s what drives me. My eighth league title, and to be sharing it with Hlompho Kekana, is great. I saw him coming from Black Leopards and become a captain at Sundowns, it’s amazing,” the Ugandan star said.