Denis Onyango Wins CAF’s Africa-based Player Award

Denis Onyango received the 2016 African Player of the Year – Based in Africa award at the Glo CAF Awards in Abuja, Nigeria, on 5 January 2017. The Uganda Cranes and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper finished ahead of his club teammate Khama Billiat and TP Mazembe midfielder Rainford Kalaba to claim the honour. The award followed an outstanding year for club and country. Onyango helped Mamelodi Sundowns win the South African league title and the CAF Champions League in 2016, while playing a central role in Uganda’s qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, their first finals appearance since 1978. Onyango was also selected as the goalkeeper in CAF’s team of the year. Uganda Cranes received the National Team of the Year award at the same ceremony, recognising the squad’s successful qualification campaign. The evening brought continental recognition to both Onyango’s individual performances and Uganda’s return to the AFCON finals.