Uganda and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango has revealed that he rejected a move to Asia and opted to remain at Chloorkop.

The 34-year-old has been at Sundowns for the past six years since making the move from Absa Premiership rivals Bidvest Wits on 30 June 2014.

Over the years, Onyango established himself as Sundowns’ first-choice shot-stopper under coach Pitso Mosimane and has managed to keep 87 clean sheets from 183 appearances across all competitions.

Onyango has now disclosed that he pledged his loyalty to the Brazilians by declining a move to Europe.

‘When you are playing, you must always have ambitions. Of course, it might be a little bit late for me to go to Europe but there’s been an opportunity for me to go and play in Arab countries. I just declined it,’ Onyango told IOL.

‘But everyone has to go and play somewhere else. I’m OK at Sundowns. I’m happy, they were there for me when I was not playing. They were helpful and they believed in me. I can’t just abandon them because I’m going to get $2,000 in Asia.

‘Why can’t I just stay here and finish my career around people who believe in me? Otherwise, every footballer dreams about playing in Europe.’

He added: ‘It is not easy because there are few African goalkeepers in Europe. But I believe that young people must aim high.

‘The older you get, people start doubting you. I believe that maybe time is not on my side in terms of playing in Europe. But there will always be an opportunity for me to play, say, in Arab countries.

‘The club has been with me during all the difficult times. When I lost my dad, when I had issues with my wife and son, they were there. Why should I abandon the club?’ Onyango continued.

‘Relocating my wife and kids is going to be difficult, having been in South Africa for the past 10 to 14 years. It will be difficult to start afresh, especially when I’m not going to stay long.

‘I don’t think anyone will give me a five-year contract – it might be two years. Why should I relocate because I want more money? I need my family to be comfortable as well.

‘We are facing a difficult team in Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank Cup semi-final. They play very aggressive football. Wits are direct and they always give us problems. We have to be cautious when we face them.’