The 40-year-old, who had retired from national team duties in April 2021 after the Cranes failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), made a surprise return after being named in the 28-man squad by head coach Paul Put in readiness for their Group G fixtures.
Onyango, who represented Uganda at the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and captained them until his retirement, says it is an honour to once again wear national team colours.
‘It was incredible to be called back’
“First of all, I am happy to be back, for round two,” Onyango told Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) media. “It was good news for me because I was also in camp for the club when the call-up came, and I shared the news with the team and they were very happy for me because all of them knew that I had retired, but some of them wanted to see me back for probably the final time.
“For me it was incredible to be called back to the national team and to represent the national team and, of course, the club because when I’m here I’m also representing the club that I play for. So it was good news for everyone at the club and they were wishing me all well.”
On his return to work with the team, Onyango said: “For the boys, most of them I have played with and some I have not. I am getting to know them better. Time will tell but it is a very young group, a very energetic group and ready to fight. So for me I am just happy to be with the young blood. They will work hard for me, I believe they will work hard.”
Apart from Onyango, who made his international debut for Uganda in 2005 World Cup qualifying match against Cape Verde, other keepers named in the team to fight for a starting role include Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia) and Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda).
Asked whether he was guaranteed a starting role, Onyango, who helped the Cranes qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by conceding only two goals in six matches in their qualifying group, responded: “There are no guarantees that I am to start.
“There is Jamal, there is Mutakubwa, there is also Alionzi but yes the position is there up for grabs. There are no guarantees in football. Whoever is ready to represent and give the national team the best will play and all we want is for the team to win and get maximum results.”
On the responsibility that comes with his return, Onyango explained: “Well the responsibility remains the same because what is needed is the results. Regardless of whether I have come in for the second time or the first time, the performance is what speaks volumes.
“So what we need to do is to support each other and be positive because it is very, very important to stay positive and know that we are all fighting for the same goal.”
He concluded: “Of course every team needs senior players and young blood because the young blood gives more energy and the senior players help the players to calm down when there is pressure to help them to manage the game. The game requires a lot of experience but it also requires a lot of running which is done by the young ones and that is what we share.”
Onyango made his first Uganda appearance at the AFCON in the 31st edition that was hosted by Gabon in 2017.
