Uganda’s Dennis Onyango is officially Africa’s finest shot stopper. Onyango made it to the African team of the Year after a stellar 2018 that saw his Country Uganda book a place in this year Africa Cup of Nations.
The Mamelodi Sundowns custodian took to social media to share the great news in a short post saying: ”IF U BELIEVE IT, U CAN DO IT ”.
The post was accompanied by a picture of him standing next to other award winners including Mohamed Salah (who won African Best Football player) with each holding his award.
” IF U BELIEVE IT, U CAN DO IT ” ???????????????????. pic.twitter.com/Obs9xTwUUB
— Denis Onyango ???????? (@masindeonyango) January 9, 2019
The Awards Gala, to honour footballers and officials who distinguished themselves during the year 2018 was held on Tuesday, 8 January 2019 in Dakar, Senegal.
Onyango was shortlisted with 33 other illustrious players, most plying their trade in Europe.
The shortlisted nominees were decided by votes from the members of the Caf Technical and Development Committee.
Onyango, (born 15 May 1985 in Kampala) plays for South African Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns and serves as captain of the Uganda Cranes.
Renowned for his penalty-saving and one on one situation,Denis Onyango made his first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in the 31st edition that was hosted by Gabon from 14 January 2017 to 5 February 2017 after helping the Cranes qualify for the finals by conceding only two goals in six matches in their qualifying group.[6]
Onyango also won the 2016 CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns before taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup. He is all round, very consistent and calm as described by Mark Anderson a former sundowns goalkeeper coach.
On 5 January 2017, Onyango was voted the 2016 African Player of the year – based in Africa at the CAF Awards held in Nigeria. The final tally saw Onyango pick up 252 votes, compared to 228 votes for second place Khama Billiat.
Onyango was ranked as the tenth best goalkeeper in the world in list for 2016 compiled by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics.
Below is the Full List of Winners in this Year’s CAF Awards
Player of the Year
Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)
Women’s Player of the Year
Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa & Houston Dash)
Youth Player of the Year
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco & Borussia Dortmunmd)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Herve Renard (Morocco)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
Men’s National Team of the Year
Mauritania
Women’s National Team of the Year
Nigeria
Platinum Award
His Excellency Macky Sall (President of the Republic of Senegal)
Federation President of the Year
Fouzi Lekjaa
Goal of the Year
Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa & Houston Dash)