Former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Postnet Omony has credited discipline and a positive mindset as the keys to his successful and trailblazing career in South African football, paving the way for other Ugandan shot-stoppers to follow in his footsteps.
Omony, who played for the Uganda Cranes during the days of Timothy Batabaire, Hassan Mubiru, Simeon Masaba, Nestroy Kizito and David Obua, and was part of SC Villa’s title-winning team of 2004, made the move to South Africa in 2005, joining Bloemfontein Celtic.
In an interview with The Pressbox on Sunday, June 30th, the 41-year-old, who is currently pursuing a coaching course, recounted how his off-field discipline, determination and focus on delivering rather than seeking stardom were instrumental to his rise in the competitive South African league.
“Breaking into the world of football in South Africa was not easy, especially for a goalkeeper,” Omony said.
“Back then, it was not easy for a goalkeeper. The Celtics welcomed me very well, and I gathered mental strength from there. The pressure was on me, but I left all of it on the field,” he added.
Omony emphasised that maintaining discipline and avoiding the temptation of becoming a “star player” were crucial to his long-term success in South Africa, and warned the youth of today that are often in a rush for stardom, rather than building a lasting legacy.
“Off the field, discipline helped, and keeping myself more focused on delivering than being a star player,” Omony explained.
“Mindset also helped me. If you’re in a rush to make it as a star, you can’t. Unfortunately, the youth of today are in a rush for stardom, as opposed to a legacy. In South Africa, the system is different. So the mindset has to be right. If you’re not patient, then don’t waste your time going to South Africa,” he stated.
Omony’s success in South Africa paved the way for other Ugandan goalkeepers, such as Dennis Onyango, Salim Jamal, and Ismail Watenga, to ply their trade in the country’s Premier Division.
Onyango, in particular, has become one of the most decorated players in African football, winning numerous trophies with his club Mamelodi Sundowns.
The goalkeeper was very proud of their achievements saying, “The goalkeepers have done well. From where we come from and the work we put in, I think they have maintained the standards. Look at Dennis (Onyango). He’s won it all with the club and is one of the most decorated players in South Africa.”
Omony’s journey to success in South Africa was not without its challenges, but his determination and resilience ultimately paid off.
After winning trophies with SC Villa in Uganda, he gained confidence, which he says was key to enabling him to compete in the complex and competitive environment of South African football.
Omony, who was SC Villa’s goalkeeper the last time they won the Uganda Premier League trophy in 2004 was also very proud of his former side winning last season’s trophy.
“Seeing Villa win the trophy (in 2023/24) after 20 years brought back a lot of memories. I am proud of their achievement,” he said.
Postnet Omony’s over two-decade long career im South Africa has seen him play for Bloemfontein Celtic, Vasco da Gama, Black Leopards and Roses United.
