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Ugandans Divided Over Onyango’s Return

Ugandans Divided Over Onyango’s Return
BySource Man
  • PublishedAugust 27, 2025

When Denis Masinde Onyango hung up his national team gloves in 2021, many thought it was the final whistle on one of Uganda’s greatest football stories. But like a classic striker who can’t resist one more goal, Onyango has made a sensational return to the Uganda Cranes fold—four years after his retirement.

The legendary shot-stopper, now 39 and still guarding the posts for South Africa’s giants Mamelodi Sundowns, has answered Coach Paul Put’s SOS call ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Uganda, currently sitting fourth in Group G with nine points, will host Mozambique on September 5th and Somalia on September 8th.

Onyango’s comeback comes at a critical time. With first-choice goalkeeper Isma Watenga sidelined by injury and Salim Jamal Magoola just returning from a long layoff, Uganda’s goalkeeping department had become shakier than a defender under pressure. The big man’s return promises stability—and maybe a dash of inspiration.

But not everyone is cheering.

Some fans are ecstatic, calling Onyango’s return “a blessing at the right time,” citing his legendary saves and leadership that once guided Uganda to AFCON qualifications in 2017 and 2019. Let’s not forget, he was crowned Africa’s best player in 2016—a rare gem for East Africa.

Others, however, are raising their eyebrows higher than a goalkeeper stretching for a top-corner shot. “Why bring him back now?” they argue. “Shouldn’t we be grooming fresh talent instead of relying on Onyango again?” To them, his comeback is more about mentorship than medals.

Still, with AFCON 2025 in Morocco fast approaching in December, time isn’t exactly on Uganda’s side. Developing new goalkeepers takes years, not months. For many, Onyango’s return is simply the pragmatic option: when the stakes are this high, you play your strongest card.

Also making their way back into the squad are Joseph Mpande and Ikpeazu Uchechukwu, who have a history of ignoring national team call-ups but seem ready this time. Whether they’ll deliver or disappear again remains to be seen.

For now, Ugandans are left divided but hopeful. Onyango’s return may be controversial, but one thing is certain—when he stands between the posts, opponents rarely have it easy. And if experience is the best teacher, then the Cranes might just have enrolled in Onyango’s masterclass at exactly the right time.

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