“It’s Unfair On Him!” Cardoso Feels Guilty About Onyango
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has insisted that legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango remains a vital part of the club’s setup, though he feels a sense of unfairness regarding the limited playing time given to both Onyango and fellow custodian Reyard Pieterse.
Speaking after Sundowns’ hard-fought 2-1 victory over a spirited Golden Arrows side at King Zwelithini Stadium in the Betway Premiership match on Sunday, Cardoso clarified why Onyango traveled with the squad.
The Portuguese mentor explained that the team typically travels with three goalkeepers for away fixtures as a standard precautionary measure.
On the matchday bench, Sundowns opted for Ricardo Goss, who returned from his loan spell at Siwelele last season.
Goss, who was selected for the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has regularly deputized for club captain Ronwen Williams this term. Meanwhile, fifth-choice goalkeeper Jody February was sent out on loan to Siwelele.
Onyango, long considered the bedrock of Sundowns’ domestic and continental success, lost his starting position following the arrival of Ronwen Williams from SuperSport United ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Alongside midfield veteran Themba Zwane, the Ugandan international stands as one of only two players in the squad to win two CAF Champions League titles with Masandawana, adding last season’s crown to his historic 2016 medal.
The 41-year-old’s decorated cabinet includes nine league titles, two Carling Knockout Cups, three Nedbank Cups, an MTN8 trophy, a CAF Super Cup, and the African Football League title.
Over his illustrious career at Chloorkop, Onyango has made 285 appearances for Sundowns, conceding 193 goals while recording 138 clean sheets.
His last competitive appearance came in February last season during a 2-0 defeat to TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.
“Denis was here with us,” Cardoso said.
“He was the third goalkeeper. When we travelled out of Johannesburg, we travelled with an extra player and an extra goalkeeper, in case something bad happened with another goalkeeper, so he was the extra goalkeeper.
“Last time, it was not him and it was Reyaad Pieterse, because both of them are still at the level that makes me a little bit, how can I say it, not sad, but I feel it is unfair.
“But I cannot change the rules of the game by putting players on the bench. It is also something to do with the number of players allowed, and I think it should be discussed in South Africa. There are many tournaments that allow more players on the bench, and it should be something to discuss.
“Why not bring more players so that coaches can manage more options during the game? With that, I think the game would be better.”
Despite Onyango missing out on the matchday 18 against Golden Arrows, Cardoso reassured supporters that the veteran has a bright future at the club.
“But Denis is at peace with us, and we are at peace with him. There are beautiful things ahead, for sure, in terms of the club,” Cardoso said.
“We will embrace him continuously because he is a player who can perform on the pitch and perform every day in the training sessions.
“But it is a hell of a job for me, having the first and second, or two of the three goalkeepers, who are on the national team list.
“It is a job that is not easy to manage, but still, having Denis Onyango and Reyaad, who are unbelievable, they show themselves at the best level I have ever seen since I came to the club. And he could be playing; I can confess to you.
“It is a tough one.”
Following their victory over Arrows, Sundowns maintain momentum across domestic competitions, sitting three points clear at the summit of the Betway Premiership ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who retain a game in hand.
