Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango has explained the reasons behind his decision to come out of international retirement and return to national team duty with the Cranes.

The veteran shot-stopper, who plays for South African Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, had announced his retirement from international football after Uganda failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

After four years away, Onyango made his return in August 2025 as Uganda prepared for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia.

Before stepping aside, Onyango had enjoyed a distinguished international career. He made his senior debut on June 18, 2005, in a World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde and played a key role in helping Uganda qualify for the 2017 AFCON, conceding just two goals in six qualifying matches. He featured at the tournament in Gabon, later captaining the side from April 2017.

Now 40, Onyango is back with the national team in Morocco for the 2025 AFCON.

‘Playing at AFCON is always special’

Speaking to CAF Media, Onyango said the team’s progress and ambition were central to his decision to return.

“What motivated me most was the direction the team was taking,” he explained. “I followed the qualifiers closely and saw a group with strong character and a clear identity. They were growing into a solid team, and that gave me confidence.

“The biggest motivation, however, was the opportunity to compete again at the highest level. Playing at an Africa Cup of Nations is always special, and that alone is a powerful motivation.”

He added that the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Isma Watenga through long-term injury also played a part.

“I was encouraged to return to help the young goalkeepers. The coach believed I could contribute both on and off the pitch, and the confidence he showed in me played a big role in my decision. Representing the national team means a lot to me, and although it was not an easy choice, I focused on the positives.”

Age just a number

Onyango, who began his career in Uganda before spells with SuperSport United and Mpumalanga Black Aces in South Africa, believes age has not diminished his value.

“It is very significant to be here at 40,” he said. “When you see players like Cristiano Ronaldo still performing at 40, or Mozambique captain Elias Pelembe still going strong at 42, it is inspiring.

“Age becomes less important when you focus on quality, experience and what you bring to the team. Being here allows me to share my experience with the younger players, especially the goalkeepers, and help raise the overall level of the team.”

He admitted he never expected to be playing at AFCON at this stage of his career.

“I believed the younger generation would take over completely, and they have done very well to qualify the team. My recall reflects the work I have continued to do at club level with Sundowns, even without playing regularly.

“The coaches saw that I could still inspire the team and share my experience. Working with the young goalkeepers and pushing them to improve has been a big source of motivation for me.”

Discipline and dedication

A CAF Champions League winner with Sundowns in 2016 and a participant at the FIFA Club World Cup that same year, Onyango credits discipline for his longevity.

“Discipline has been key,” said Onyango, who was named African-based African Player of the Year in 2016. “My club has taken very good care of me. I am very strict with my training, recovery, diet and rest.

“My family has also played a huge role. My wife and children constantly remind me of who I am and what I am capable of. Football has given me everything, and I believe I must always give everything back to the game.”

Ranked as the world’s 10th-best goalkeeper in 2016 by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, Onyango described the current AFCON in Morocco as a special chapter.

“Every tournament is different. From Gabon in 2017 to Egypt in 2019 and now Morocco 2025, each one has its own story. Morocco already feels special — the facilities are top class and everything is well organised.”

Looking ahead

Onyango said his focus is firmly on helping Uganda progress.

“I want to help the team reach the next stage because I understand what it takes at this level,” he said. “I want to motivate the young players and help them understand what it truly means to represent the country at AFCON.

“This tournament can be life-changing. There are scouts watching, opportunities opening up and careers can change direction. I also see myself as a bridge between the technical bench and the players, and as support for captain Khalid Aucho so he can focus fully on his performances.”

Uganda opened their Group C campaign with a 3–1 defeat to Algeria, with Onyango starting on the bench as Salim Jamal Magoola was preferred in goal at the Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah.

With group matches against Tanzania and Nigeria still to come, Onyango is hopeful of earning a start as the Cranes look to keep their AFCON hopes alive.