Uganda’s goalkeeping icon, Denis Onyango, has further etched his name in African football history after securing a record-extending 12th Premier Soccer League (PSL) title in South Africa.
The veteran goalkeeper, who turns 40 today, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers.
He achieved his 12th league title as Mamelodi Sundowns sealed their eighth consecutive South African league crown with a dominant 3-0 win over Chippa United on Wednesday night.
Although Onyango was an unused substitute in the title-clinching match at the Buffalo City Municipality Stadium, his contributions throughout the campaign were vital.
He featured in 10 league games this season, helping the team maintain consistency and defensive solidity in their march to another championship.
South Africa’s first-choice keeper, Ronwen Williams, started in goal for the decisive fixture.
The emphatic win was powered by a clinical performance, with Iqraam Rayners opening the scoring in the 11th minute and substitute Arthur Sales netting a late brace.
The result took Sundowns’ tally to 70 points, securing the title with one game to spare. It was their 23rd victory of the campaign under new head coach Miguel Cardoso, who replaced Manqoba Mngqithi in December.
Let’s say happy birthday to the most successful player in the PSL era, Denis Onyango! 🏆 🎉
Wishing you an awesome day, Masinde! 🎈#Sundowns #HappyBirthdayDenis pic.twitter.com/A8mpanLa1X
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 15, 2025
Cardoso has now tasted his first major silverware at the helm, boasting an impressive record of 17 wins in 20 matches.
Onyango’s latest title adds to his already unmatched legacy.
He has now won nine league titles with Mamelodi Sundowns, having joined the club in 2011, and three earlier with SuperSport United; the only top-flight league titles in the latter’s history.
His professional journey began at SC Villa, where he won the 2004 Uganda Premier League title, before stints at St. George SA in Ethiopia and PSL clubs like Mpumalanga Black Aces and Bidvest Wits (on loan).
Beyond domestic dominance, Onyango’s accolades include a 2016 CAF Champions League crown, a CAF Super Cup, an MTN8 Cup, the Nedbank Cup, and most recently, the inaugural African Football League title; all with Mamelodi Sundowns.
He was also instrumental in the club’s participation in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup.
That same year, he was voted African-based African Player of the Year and ranked among the top 10 goalkeepers globally.
Now with 19 career titles in South Africa alone, Onyango is officially the most decorated player in the country’s football history.
Focus for Onyango now shifts to a greater stage: the CAF Champions League final, where Mamelodi will face Egypt’s Pyramids in a highly anticipated two-legged showdown later this month.
