Mamelodi Sundowns and Uganda goalkeeper Dennis Onyango has announcement his retirement from international football.
The 35-year-old announced his retirement via a letter to the Uganda Football Association on Monday. His decision comes after the Cranes of Uganda failed to qualify for the AFCON 2021 tournament scheduled to take place in Cameroon next January.
Onyango was in action for Sundowns in their 2-1 away win over Chippa United on Monday afternoon.
In a public statement directed to the Uganda Football Association, the goalkeeper wrote: “This letter represents my official notice of retirement from the Uganda National Football Team, The Cranes, effective April 12, 2021.”
“It has been a great pleasure and honour to represent my country and I will always appreciate the experience and knowledge that I have gained while playing for the Cranes.“
“I believe that my notice period is sufficient enough for the technical team to adequately prepare my replacement for the upcoming matches. By remaining a true patriot and supporter of football in my beloved Uganda, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and challenges.”
“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from international football.”
“After much consideration, my family, managers and I, decided it was in my best interest to hang my gloves on my beloved Cranes Big thanks to every Ugandan over the years.”
Onyango made his international debut for Uganda on the 18th of June 2005 in a World Cup qualifying match against Cape Verde.
From then, he went on to became a regular starter for the Cranes.
The veteran goalkeeper has been a loyal servant for his national side and would no doubt go down as a legend.
Onyango helped the Cranes qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations by conceding only two goals in six matches in their qualifying group.
He made his first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in the 31st edition that was hosted by Gabon from the 14th of January 2017 to the 5th of February 2017. As one would expect, he went on to be named the captain of the Uganda national team in April 2017.
Having begun his career in his native country, Onyango went on to play in the South African Premier Soccer League with Supersport United, Mpumalanga Black Aces, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
With Sundowns, he won the 2016 CAF Champions League and took part in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup. He was also named the 2016 African-based African Player of the year.