Latest news with #Onyango
CAF
15-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
18 days to go: CHAN is our moment to show Kenya to the world
Kenya midfielder Alpha Chris Onyango says the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is more than just a tournament — it's a golden opportunity to elevate the country's football on the continental and global stage. With Kenya co-hosting the event alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Onyango believes the Harambee Stars have a rare chance to showcase their local talent and inspire national pride. Speaking exclusively the Gor Mahia midfielder reflects on his journey, ambitions, and what CHAN 2024 means for the team and for him personally. Full Q&A with Alpha Chris Onyango How does it feel to represent Kenya on home soil in such a major tournament like CHAN? It means everything to us as local players to play in a major continental championship. This is a chance to represent Kenya on a big stage against some of Africa's best. It's a proud moment. What has the atmosphere in camp been like ahead of this historic tournament? The mood has been very positive. Everyone is working hard to earn selection. There's a real sense of excitement. Hosting CHAN for the first time makes it even more special. You'll be facing some of Africa's biggest football nations. Which fixture excites or worries you the most? We're in a tough group with big teams like Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. All three fixtures are exciting. I can't single one out — they're all huge games, and we're motivated for each one. As a local-based player, what does CHAN mean to you personally and professionally? It's a massive platform. Personally, it's a chance to showcase my talent. Professionally, it's a step toward reaching the next level of my career. It's an opportunity to be seen across Africa and beyond. What's your message to Kenyan fans ahead of kick-off in August? We urge all our fans to come in large numbers and support us. We'll be playing at Kasarani Stadium, and having the stands full would give us a big boost. Their belief in us will drive us forward. Which teammate do you think will be a surprise package at CHAN? Honestly, our squad is full of exciting young players. It's tough to pick just one. I believe fans will be impressed by the whole team. Has hosting the tournament added pressure or motivation for you and your teammates? Yes, there's pressure, but we view it as positive motivation. Playing at home comes with expectations, but we're embracing it and using it to push ourselves harder. Tell us about your journey from the domestic league to becoming a key figure in the national team. It's been a tough but rewarding journey. I started at Gor Mahia Youth after high school and worked my way up. The past two seasons have been amazing, and I've been guided by senior players like Odada, Olunga, and Akumu. I'm still growing and learning every day. What will it take for Kenya to go far in this tournament? We need to follow the coach's instructions, stay focused, and give 100% in every game. We have a strong squad and a coach who believes in us. If we stay united, we can be a real threat. If you could dedicate a CHAN victory to someone, who would it be and why? Definitely my family. They've supported me through everything and are the reason I've reached this point in my career.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Stellies release former Sundowns defender Onyango
Onyango first arrived in South Africa in 2012 to join Santos from Tusker FC. Stellenbosch FC has confirmed the departure of defender Brian Onyango, following the expiry of his contract. The 30-year-old Kenyan defender joined Stellies at the beginning of last season after he was released by Mamelodi Sundowns. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Maboe faces uncertain future However, after making only eight appearances during the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, the Cape Winelands outfit has decided to cut ties with him. 'Stellenbosch Football Club can confirm that Brian Onyango has departed the club following the expiration of his contract,' read a statement from Stellies. 'Onyango joined Stellenbosch at the start of the 2024-25 campaign and made eight appearances across all competitions, helping the club reach the MTN8 final and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup. 'During his time in the Cape Winelands, the towering defender also returned to the Kenya national team for the first time in nearly two years to become just the third non-South African player to represent his country while on the books of Stellenbosch. 'Everyone at Stellenbosch FC would like to thank Brian for his service to the club and wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.' ALSO READ: Chiefs among clubs interested in City forward Onyango first arrived in South Africa in 2012 to join Santos from Tusker FC. The lanky defender has also played for Maritzburg United, now Durban City, and Sundowns.
The Star
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Mweene has the best goalkeepers at his disposal for Mamelodi Sundowns in Fifa Club World Cup
Mihlali Baleka | Published 3 hours ago Kennedy Mweene will complete a full circle in his career when he returns to the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States as Mamelodi Sundowns' goalkeeper coach. Such is the depth that he has at his disposal, the 40-year-old is adamant that he'll have a nice selection headache as well. Mweene was one of the goalkeepers – alongside Denis Onyango and Wayne Sandilands – who were part of the Sundowns team at the 2016 Club World Cup in Japan. He built on the experience that he garnered from that event as he played a key role in the Brazilians' dominance of South African football. The Afcon-winning goalkeeper with Zambia hung up his gloves two seasons ago, trading standing between the sticks to being a deputy goalkeeper coach at Sundowns. But after his superior Wendell Robinson was sacked alongside head coach Manqoba Mngqithi late last year, he ascended to the position of head goalkeeper coach. Mweene has managed to get the best out of his goalkeepers, No 2 Onyango and first-choice Ronwen Williams, as Sundowns won the Premiership on home soil. The Brazilians' goalkeeping department was so good that they missed out on the CAF Champions League crown by a whisker, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids FC in the final. But with that disappointment now behind them, Sundowns have put all their focus on the World Cup, in which they'll face Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense in Group F. The Brazilians first game will be against South Koreans Ulsan next Wednesday, and Mweene has revealed who'll be his No 1 at the event. 'It's easy for me – it's not difficult. I think Ronwen and Denis have been doing well. We have Reyaad (Pieterse) as well,' Mweene said of his goalkeeping selection. 'We have got a balance of experience and youth, in this case, Reyaad, when it comes to playing on the international stage. For me, it's about continuity. 'Everyone knows that it'll be Ronwen (who'll be the No 1 and start most of the games) unless otherwise (due to injury).' Sure, Williams is Sundowns' undisputed No 1, but Onyango's experience will come in handy in America, given his overall experience and participation at their last World Cup. Mweene, who's the same age as Onyango (40), has lifted the lid on what it has been like to coach the former Ugandan No 1 in the last two seasons. 'I think the most important thing as a goalkeeper coach is to know how to train him. He's 40-plus,' Mweene said. 'It's not easy. You must know how to train him. 'There are exercises that he doesn't complete, because we look at his body and what he needs. He always pushes himself.' The upcoming global showpiece has been extended to 32 teams. As a result, Africa have four teams – Sundowns are joined by Al Ahly, Esperance and Wydad Casablanca. The quartet's qualification has all but given the continent a slim chance of earning a podium finish, something that pleases Mweene. 'I think it's good for Africa because last time, it was maybe two teams or one. But this time there are about four, and that gives us a chance as Africa,' Mweene said. 'We are still crying about the number, but nevertheless, we just have to go and showcase our talent. 'We know that it won't be easy – it's a high-profile tournament. 'Everyone, including the boys, knows what we are going to do. 'Again, it won't be easy, but we have to showcase our talent – represent South Africa and Africa at large.'
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
40-year-old Onyango dismisses retirement talk
'I speak with confidence on the fact that I'm still at Sundowns for another season,' Onyango said. Denis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Craig Martin of Chippa United during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria on the 07 May 2025 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix Denis Onyango has no plans to retire just yet, despite adding a record 12th South African Premier League title to his illustrious career. The veteran Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, who has been part of the club's domestic dominance, has confirmed his intention to continue playing beyond the current season. ALSO READ: All the pressure is on SuperSport as Pirates come to town The club now sets its sights on the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC and next month's FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Although Onyango played second fiddle to first-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams this season, he still featured in 10 Betway Premiership matches, contributing to Sundowns' historic eighth consecutive league crown. 'To be honest, I'm still here and I think one more (season) and the body will talk to me. I speak with confidence on the fact that I'm still at Sundowns for another season,' Onyango responded when asked about his future. 'It's all about showing the young ones that it's possible regardless of your age. I'm probably on 2% left and exhausted the 98% but it's for the youngsters to know that you need to work hard and talent alone is not enough. The 40-year-old began his PSL journey with SuperSport United, where he won three league titles. He joined Sundowns in 2011, going on to lift a further nine championships with the Tshwane-based giants. His path to success has not been without challenges. After being loaned to Bidvest Wits during the 2013–14 campaign, Onyango returned to Sundowns stronger, playing a pivotal role in their 2016 CAF Champions League triumph. That same year, he was honoured by CAF as the African-based Player of the Year. 'The first one (title) was incredible because it was my second season in South Africa with our neighbours SuperSport United,' Onyango said while reflecting on his remarkable career. 'The other one that I won which I think was special was I came back from a loan at Bidvest Wits back to Sundowns. I always wanted to reward them for the faith they showed me. Winning that league title in 2016 ignited the fire in me but the group was good. ALSO READ: Chiefs coach Nabi – 'This news is bad for me' 'The 12th one is good because we had challenges. We lost the cup final, changed coaches but the target was to win the league, stay in the Champions League and make history because it's going to be very difficult to find another team that will win eight titles in a row.'
