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Onyango inspired after Best XI inclusion

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Dennis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango admitted that he is inspired to work even harder after being named in the Caf African Team of the year for a third straight year.

The Ugandan captain, who was first included in the Best XI in 2016 after helping Downs win the Caf Champions League, was the only African-based player in the side.

The shot-stopper joined the likes of Sadio Mane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kalidou Koulibaly and Mohamed Salah at the awards, which were held in Senegal on Tuesday night.

Onyango had another stellar year in 2018, as he played an integral role for Sundowns to clinch an eighth Absa Premiership title. He also performed for his national team, helping the Cranes qualify for the 2019 African Cup of Nations without conceding a single goal.

The inclusion of Onyango for a third consecutive year has undoubtedly cemented his spot as one of the best African keepers in the world.

Speaking after the awards, the keeper said that he was honoured by the award and would be aiming to make it number four.

‘Of course it means a lot to me, the club and the national team, because being recognised in the Best XI shows that I have done well with both club and country. So for me it’s an honour to be part of this history and it gives me more motivation as a goalkeeper to work hard, because you don’t know who is watching and people recognise you when you perform. It keeps me going in the goalkeeping department,’ he said last night.

‘It’s an inspiration to other people out that there you can do it, as long as you do it on the field. You must always give your best.

‘I’ll be aiming to be in the Best XI for a fourth straight time, but it also comes with hard work and I try to focus on my goalkeeping department.’

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix