At 40, Dennis Onyango is Still Driven by the Hunger to Compete

At an age when many footballers have already stepped away from the game, Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Dennis Onyango continues to defy convention, driven by an enduring desire to compete at the highest level.

Now 40, the former CAF Goalkeeper of the Year remains as motivated as ever. Recalled to the national team four years after announcing his retirement, Onyango is set to feature at his third TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. He will be the oldest player in the Uganda Cranes squad and one of the most experienced figures at the tournament.

Speaking to CAFOnline.com, the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper reflected on his return to international football, his longevity, and the role he hopes to play within the national team.

On what motivated his return from retirement, Onyango said the team’s clear direction and growing identity played a decisive role. “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,” he explained.

The opportunity to compete at AFCON once again was also a powerful pull. “Playing at an Africa Cup of Nations is always special. That alone is a huge motivation,” he said. Onyango added that the long-term injury to fellow goalkeeper Isma Watenga and the encouragement from the technical bench further influenced his decision. “The coach believed I could contribute both on and off the pitch, and that confidence meant a lot to me.”

Reflecting on competing at elite level at 40, Onyango described the moment as significant and inspiring. “I am not young anymore, but when you see players like Cristiano Ronaldo performing at 40, or Mozambique captain Elias Pelembe still playing at 42, it shows that age becomes less important when you focus on quality and experience,” he said.

Onyango admitted he never imagined he would be returning to AFCON at this stage of his career. “I thought the younger generation would completely take over, and they have done very well to qualify the team,” he said, adding that his recall reflected the work he continues to do at club level with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Discipline, he says, has been the cornerstone of his longevity. “I am very strict with my training, recovery, diet and rest,” Onyango noted, while also crediting his family for keeping him grounded and motivated. “Football has given me everything, and I believe I must always give everything back to the game.”

Comparing Morocco 2025 to his previous AFCON appearances in Gabon and Egypt 2019, Onyango said each tournament brings unique challenges, but praised the organisation and facilities in Morocco. “This one already feels special,” he said.

Beyond the pitch, Onyango sees himself as a mentor and leader for the younger players. “I want to help them understand what it truly means to represent the country at AFCON,” he said, describing the tournament as potentially life-changing for emerging talents. He also views his role as a link between the players and the technical bench, while offering support to captain Khalid Aucho.

With strong competition for places, Onyango insists his motivation remains intact. “Competition is healthy. Iron sharpens iron,” he said. “I still want to improve every day. Working hard, staying humble and motivating others is what keeps me driven.”