“It’s Not Over Until It’s Done”: Onyango Recalls 2020 Miracle To Inspire Sundowns Title Charge
Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Onyango has urged his teammates to remain focused and positive ahead of their decisive Betway Premiership clash against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Brazilians head into the encounter under immense pressure after dropping crucial points in their draw against Kaizer Chiefs last week at home, a result that reopened the title race.
Despite that setback, Sundowns remain top of the standings with 68 points and have only one match remaining, while Orlando Pirates sit second on 65 points with two matches left to play against Durban City and Orbit College.
Pirates also boast a superior goal difference, meaning they could still win the league title if they secure victories in their final two matches and Sundowns fail to score enough goals against the Rockets, with goal difference potentially deciding the race.
Sundowns attempted to improve their goal difference over the weekend by scoring seven goals against Siwelele, but conceding four times proved costly in their pursuit of a healthier margin.
Despite the mounting pressure, Onyango insisted that the squad remains determined to fight until the very end.
“As senior players, we have to push the boys because every game counts for the club, regardless of how difficult it is,” said Onyango.
“So, we have to give our best because every game is a final. We are also looking ahead to the final of the CAF Champions League, and we want to finish the season strongly regardless of what is happening around us.
“We have to stay positive and believe that it can be done. Of course, that is the mindset of both the coaching staff and the players because we cannot take any game for granted. We need to give our best in every match and see what happens.
“We cannot guarantee that other teams will win; we just need to stay focused and win our games.”
The experienced 40-year-old goalkeeper also drew inspiration from Sundowns’ dramatic 2019/20 title-winning campaign, when they overtook Chiefs on the final day in what many considered an impossible situation at the time.
Sundowns won the 2019/20 league title with 59 points, securing their historic 10th championship on the final day of the season after beating Black Leopards 3-0. Meanwhile, Amakhosi were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Baroka FC, finishing second on 57 points.
The season concluded dramatically in September 2020 after being suspended due to the pandemic.
“For the Sundowns supporters, they must keep believing because we have done it before, especially during that 2019/20 season in the bubble,” he added.
“So, they must continue believing that it is possible regardless of the situation, even if it is not in our hands.
“We just need to win our game, and I hope things will turn around. If we keep pushing hard, hopefully things will change, because it is not over until it is done.”
