Denis Onyango | Rejected, Relegated, Rescued... Then Became Africa's Best Goalkeeper

Rejected. Relegated. Rescued. Few people associate those words with Denis Onyango today. Yet before the Caf Champions League titles, the Afcon appearances, the records and the status as one of Africa's greatest goalkeepers, Onyango's career was filled with uncertainty, controversy, setbacks and difficult decisions. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation with Andrew Mwanguhya (‪@TheLoveDre‬), Onyango reflects on the moments that nearly derailed his journey and the people who helped change its course. From humble beginnings and school football escapades to controversial transfer deals, relegation, redemption, Kenya heartbreak, retirement, life after football and the future of Ugandan football, this is the most complete telling of Denis Onyango's story yet. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 03:58 – Early life and finding football 11:57 – Humble upbringing 15:32 – School football and youthful escapades 36:48 – Joining SC Villa 47:15 – Onyango the striker 50:25 – The controversial Yanga deal 55:22 – Micho intervenes to secure St George move 59:25 – Another controversial deal, this time to Egypt's Ismaily SC 01:06:31 – Enter Pitso Mosimane and SuperSport United 01:15:33 – Shipped to Mpumalanga Black Aces and relegated 01:18:38 – Mamelodi Sundowns offer a lifeline, then loan him 01:26:55 – The breakthrough 01:30:10 – 2016: The magical year 01:32:36 – Allan Okello, Ronwen Williams and goalkeeping standards 01:41:00 – Saving all five penalty kicks 01:43:52 – Afcon exploits, Kenya heartache, David Obua and the Egypt strike 01:55:14 – The story behind the retirement U-turn 02:05:14 – Pamoja Afcon 2027 02:07:47 – Tribute to Fred Kajoba 02:12:00 – Next plans