Ugandan shot-stopper of 16 years Denis Onyango (pictured) guided Mamelodi Sundowns to a 2-1 victory against Chippa United on Monday, April 12, and signed off with a bombshell.

‘‘It is with 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,’’ he tweeted, as he announced an end of his service to the Uganda Cranes. He would then follow this with another letter to the Ugandan Football Federation (FUFA) President Moses Magogo.

He noted, ‘‘This letter represents my official notice of retirement from the Uganda National 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 Uganda Cranes.’’

Onyango attributed his decision to the need to focus on family matters and club football. A floodgate of messages of encouragement and praises for a man described as “a great pillar in the Uganda Cranes set up” followed.

Former SC Villa and Cranes coach, Milutin Sredjovic Micho, who managed the 35-year-old at both club and the national team level hailed him as a leader who made work easier in the dressing room.

“Thank you is not enough when I press inside myself button of unforgettable memories and accept the bold truth that it was purely worth to be alive and cross my football journey with yours,” Micho said.

Captain fantastic

Hassan Wasswa, who last week also announced his retirement from international football could not help but appreciate the service of his former captain with whom they served the national team diligently.

“Mr. Safe hands, words can’t explain how much you have served the nation but there comes a time when we have to sign out. Happy retirement captain fantastic,” Wasswa tweeted.

“Thank you for being a great friend, leader, and round wonderful human being. As a player, I know what you have done for this country. As a fan, I feel blessed to have witnessed it first hand,” fiery Cranes striker Emmanuel Okwi tweeted.

Khalid Aucho also posted, “For the first time in my life, I have no words to say about you my brother and I will not say that you have retired from the national team.”

Sad moment

Joseph Ochaya could not believe that Onyango announced his retirement from international football with the 2022 World Cup qualifier just beckoning around the corner.

“I am sad that you have made up your mind finally without accomplishing our mission as a country that we will be starting in June.’’

Inspiration

Ochaya hailed Onyango as an inspiration to all the national team players who will greatly be missed.

“As a captain, you have always given most of us the confidence and belief on the pitch whenever we were down. It has given us the spirit of never say never until it is over. We will miss every single moment we shared together in the dressing room,” the TP Mazembe player wrote on his social media.

For youngster, Allan Okello, Onyango was a mentor for everyone in the national team whose services will be missed.

“I can’t believe we are not going to see the motivator and mentor anymore,” Okello posted.

Fans too were not left out on paying homage to Onyango after hanging gloves.

“Words can’t describe how thankful I am for your contribution towards this nation. Thanks a ton for marketing and raising the flag high,” one Hope Mugisha posted on her Twitter.

Attaching some of Onyango’s accolades, photojournalist, Edward Echwalu described the Cranes skipper as a diligent servant.

“We owe you so much but it hurts to see you leave this way, “Echwalu tweeted.

Denis Onyango born 15 May 1985, is a Ugandan professional footballer who plays for South African Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns and Uganda as a goalkeeper and serves as captain of Uganda Cranes.

He will be remembered for having captained and led Uganda to two Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon (2017) and Egypt (2019).

Having started 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 Mamelodi Sundowns, he won the 2016 CAF Champions League and took part in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup. He was named the 2016 Africa-based African Player of the year.

 He was also ranked as the tenth best goalkeeper in the world in list for 2016 compiled by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics.