Onyango: African clubs are increasingly embracing African club football

Mamelodi Sundowns senior player and goalkeeper, Dennis Onyango has welcomed the growing interest in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, praising African football supporters for creating vibrant atmospheres across the continent as clubs increasingly recognise the value of competing in Africa’s premier club competition.

The veteran Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was speaking to CAFOnline during an exclusive sit-down interview at the club’s training base in Johannesburg ahead of Sundowns’ highly anticipated first leg clash against Morocco’s AS FAR on Sunday, 17 May at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.

A packed stadium is expected for the encounter, further highlighting the renewed excitement around the competition that Onyango believes has steadily gained the respect it deserves across Africa.

The Ugandan international, who was part of the historic Sundowns squad that lifted the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title in 2016, said supporters have played a major role in elevating the tournament’s status.

“I really need to give credit to the supporters who have recently shown love for African football. When you go to the North, fans there show passion for the Champions League and value it because they know how much it changes players’ lives and image of the club. Very few clubs have a star above the logo but that will soon change in the coming years as clubs, and their fans are showing an increased love and passion for African club football,” said Onyango.

The 40-year-old believes clubs across the continent are now beginning to fully appreciate the importance of competing strongly on the continental stage.

“For me I think we took a bit long to understand the value of the Champions League. Winning it gives mileage to the club,” he added.

Onyango also pointed to the growing ambition shown by clubs across the continent, saying success in the competition requires serious commitment both on and off the field.

“The mentality and ambition of the club is important because it requires a lot of sacrifice and deep pockets but clubs across Africa have realised this and it is now even showing with the fans packing stadiums during Champions League matches,” he said.

With attendances improving and fan engagement growing around the continent, Onyango says investment from club leadership remains crucial if African teams are to continue competing at the highest level and dominating the competition.

“I’m happy that our clubs have understood the value of the Champions League now as we see fans coming out in numbers across Africa. For us to come to the party and dominate as well, we need to play our part and have the club Presidents and Chairmen investing more in their teams’ preparations for the CAF Champions League,” he concluded.

Sundowns will be hoping to use the energy from another expected sold-out crowd at Loftus Stadium on Sunday as they continue their pursuit of a second continental crown, nearly a decade after Onyango helped guide the Tshwane giants to African glory in 2016.

Kick-off at Loftus Stadium is at 16h00 (14h00 GMT).

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