Onyango set for test as star keeper leads Uganda in Afcon challenge against Ghana

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 16: Mamelodi Sundowns Dennis Onyango celebrates during the Telkom Knockout Final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on December 16, 2015 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images)

For goalkeepers, keeping strikers at bay is an integral part of their daily life.

They do it for fun. Most significantly, they know its importance. It is a matter of fact their daily job.

But despite all that, it doesn’t mean every goalkeeper takes pleasure in doing what they do.

Denis Onyango of Uganda Cranes does not like being between the posts either. However, he adores what he does. He lives, dreams and longs for more, every time he is between the posts.

Making daring saves, parrying away high-flying free-kicks, barks orders to his defenders when they are out of position; he loves all that and more.

Since he was spotted by then Sports Club Villa Serbian coach Milutin Sredojevi aka Micho in 2003, Onyango, who was voted 2016 CAF African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) in the January 5 awards, has not looked back.

So here is the multi-talented goalkeeper. Lately, the young man, who grew up along the Kenya-Uganda Busia border, has been hogging the limelight. Apart from winning the CAF award, a first for an East African, he lifted Africa Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, where he was also crowned the league’s goalkeeper of the year. Many would have killed to have such a happy tale.

But Onyango is not resting on his laurels; no. He is the same man, cool, calm and collected. And he is here for more accolades. And as Uganda return to Africa Cup of Nations after a 39-year hiatus, Onyango is confident they will leave a lasting mark.

“The important thing is to please our fans, who have been with us all through. We have been playing as a team, which has seen us come this far,” the physically imposing goalkeeper said.

Just like he has been steady in the South African Premier Soccer League, he is keen to maintain the same tempo; tackling, intercepting, anticipating and having great focus.

“We must do this for our country and everyone who supports Uganda.”

But for Onyango and teammates to leave their fans with wide smiles, they must navigate through a rather tricky group that also has Ghana, Egypt and Mali. Tough luck there.

And with the Uganda Cranes playing Ghana tonight from 7pm (Kenyan time) in their opening group D match in Port-Gentil they surely know what awaits them is no child's play.

And Ghanaian striker Andre Ayew has reminded the Ugandans just what to expect when the two clash.

“We surely deserve an Africa Cup of Nations title. We have been waiting for it for a very long time. We pray we get the chance this year,” said the West Ham striker.