Denis Onyango welcomes competition from Mamelodi Sundowns new signing Ricardo Goss
Mamelodi Sundowns knee strengthening their squad for the 2020/2021 season despite proving that they already have the considerable quality to compete in next season after clinching last season’s ABSA Premiership title from Kaizer Chiefs in last round of games.
The Brazilians have started their summer transfer activities announcing the signing of Richardo Goss from Bidvest Wits whiles more top talents are expected to join the train to Gauteng.
Whiles Sundowns are well endowed with quality shot-stoppers in Onyango, Kennedy Mweene, Reyaad Pieterse and Abram Ngcobo in the Premier Soccer League (and even on the African continent), the coming in of Goss accompanies Downs goalkeeping department with another level of quality.
Competition for the number-one jersey will grow tougher for each member of the post-keeper. Meanwhile, whatever competition comes but for the benefit of Pitso Mosimane’s side when they have a lot of competitions including their priority target for next season the CAF Champions League at sight.
Ugandan international Onyango who manned Downs’ post for most games last season has welcomed the Goss to Mamelodi Sundowns, embracing the new signing’s quality and what he did at Wits in the ended league.
“I think it’s a good signing for the team, and looking at his quality, he’s done well for Wits. I believe he’s one of the keepers that have done absolutely fantastic in the bubble,” Onyango told the media.
“He conceded a few goals – I think one or two [Note: Goss conceded 5 goals in nine 9 games in the bubble], so he’s been fantastic and he’s done well for himself and his club [Wits], and he’s welcome at Sundowns.
“Of course we have to support each other. When he comes through, he has to fight and get into the team because it’s a different environment for him.
“But we’re there to help, we were also once new at the club and we had people to help us to stabilise and try to play for the club.
“Of course, it’s also a new challenge for him and there’s a bit of a difference between Wits and Sundowns, so he must come and work hard and get the team to the next level because that’s the most important thing.
“It’s not about who plays but about the team achieving what it has to, and I believe he has the ability to do that. He’ll learn two or three things from us, and we will also still learn from him. As much as we’re getting old, learning never stops.”
The 35-year-old continued: “So, for me, it’s a great signing for the club, he’s a very young man with a lot of energy and he’s got a bright future ahead of him.
“Of course there are other new goalkeepers as well, there’s Jody [February] also coming through, and there’s Abram – the youngster from the development, and there’s still Reyaad.
“So, look, it’s going to be competitive but very good competition within the goalkeeping department, and we just hope everyone gives his best.”
Onyango signed a new long term contract (four and half years) at Mamelodi Sundowns last year which sees him remain with his current club until 2023.
“Mamelodi Sundowns and Denis Onyango agreed on a contract extension of four and a half years. The Ugandan goalkeeper is currently the best goalkeeper in Africa having been named in the Confederation of African Football’s Best XI,” Sundowns announced in a statement.
“Onyango was the only African based player in the star-studded XI. This contract extension means that Onyango will spend more than a decade at Sundowns. Onyango joined the Brazilians in 2011,” said the club.
Sundowns’ triumph in the Premiership title places them into the CAF Champions League next term which Mosimane has set sight in winning.
On his continental ambition, he has failed to let any of his important figure depart from Sundowns. Some months ago, the South African trainer instructed Brazilians’ big bosses to reject Al Ahly’s bid to sign senior figure Gaston Sirino.
It was understood that Zamalek and TP Mazembe were also plotting to raid Mosimane for signature of Themba Zwane but the Egyptians and Dr Congo giants were later aware that Mamelodi Sundowns are not ready to do business on the South African International.
Connect with Futball Surgery
