Denis Onyango become the first Ugandan to win a CAF Champions League medal prompting the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to reward him with a land title.
Onyango won the Champions league with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns following a 3-1 aggregate score over Egyptian side Zamalek on Sunday 23 October,2016 in Alexandria.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo promised that rewarding is open to everyone as long as they contribute to the development of football.
‘The intent of rewarding Onyango is to motivate all people contributing to the development of football .The rewards will go to anyone who stands out in football either refereeing, administration and any other individual whose contribution stands out’ ,said Magogo.
In 2015, Uganda Cranes goalkeeper (1978) Paul Mukisa Ssali was rewarded with a FUFA Presidential award,Faruku Miya and Sandra Nabweteme were voted as best football players for men and women respectively and got a car each.
A statement on fufa.com reads “We congratulate Onyango Denis and Mamelodi Sundowns for winning the CAF Champions League. FUFA has been following Onyango’s performances at his club and we are glad that he will end the year with a CAF Champions League”
Onyango will receive his title on 12th November, 2016 when Uganda Cranes take on Congo Brazzaville in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.
Dennis Onyango was amongst Mamelodi Sundowns’ players celebrate with the trophy after winning the CAF Champions League football competition
The rewarding of stand out performers in Ugandan football will inspire more individuals to do more for football development.
The beauty about this all is that it cuts across and whoever who is engaged in football stands a chance to be rewarded.
This is a good trend to follow in the sporting world because it motivates more people to be involved in different sporting activities.
Onyango who is considered by many as one of Africa’s most experienced goalkeepers has been vital for the Uganda cranes helping Uganda ended a 38-year wait for a place in the African Nations Cup finals.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper is credited for good organizational skills; leadership and individual brilliance at the back which helps him organize his defence.
He has proved for a long time being reliable in the stands and his fitness is vital for Sundowns and the Uganda Cranes in the pursuit of FIFA World Club championship and Russia FIFA World Cup 2018 respectively.
FUFA is on a good trend of rewarding standout performers in football and the government should also support such initiatives in all sporting circles.