His Excellency President of the Republic of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Minister of Education & Sports Mama Janet Kataha Museveni rewarded former Uganda Cranes Captain Denis Masinde Onyango at Statehouse Entebbe with a Sports Pajero car for his glorious career with the National team and Club football.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star flew into the country from USA at the invitation of FUFA who organised his travel for the event organised by Statehouse.
The event was attended by FUFA President Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo, FUFA 1st VP Justus Mugisha, 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, Minister of State for Sports Hon. Hamson Obua, CEO Edgar Watson, NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Ogwel and UOC President Donald Rukare.
During his tenure as the captain of Uganda Cranes, Onyango guided the national team to the maiden Africa Cup of Nations appearance in Gabon since 39 years ago.He also took the team to next tournament, the 32nd edition held in Egypt.
At his current Club Mamelodi Sundowns, Onyango guided the team to CAF champions league title in 2016 before making an appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup the same year.
The same year, Onyango was named the best African player based in Africa before making a tenth position on the list for the best goalkeepers in the world according to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, on the list, he bettered Peter Cech.
However, his retirement came at a time when football in Uganda was at war with critics of Magogo after the FUFA boss Magogo said the Cranes players played "Shitty football" , a statement Onyango didn't like and according to a leaked audio, Onyango was heard saying "Magogo will get who to play for the Cranes in the world cup qualiers" after what he said was insulting players.
