Buganda Kingdom Katikiro (Premier) Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga has lauded Uganda Cranes captain Denis Masinde Onyango for his heroic performance at the national team.
Katikiro is a fan of Onyango and puts on jersey 18 while appearing to cheer the team at Namboole stadium. In November last year, FUFA delivered Cranes replica jerseys to different cultural leaders including Katikiro ahead of the team’s match against Cape Verde but Katikiro asked FUFA to give him a replica numbered 18 –which Onyango puts on.
And after great performance at this year’s AFCON finals in Egypt where Uganda exited at the round of 16, the first time since 1978, Katikiro hosted Onyango at his office in Bulange –Mengo on Friday.
“I am glad to meet our national team Captain; he is an inspiration to the youth. His discipline and professionalism is amazing. I am very proud of his achievement and that is why I put on shirt 18 during Uganda Cranes games. We thank him for leading our team to the last 16 in the AFCON tournament,” noted Mayiga, who urged the Onyango to teach his colleagues about saving, planning and investing for the future when they retire.
“I therefore urge him to teach his fellow players to plan for life after active football. It is always important to save and invest the money in appropriate ways. Our players should do the needful for their future,” added Mayiga, who was in company of the kingdom’s minister in charge of sports and youth affairs Owek. Henry Sekabembe Kiberu.
The Memelodi Sundowns goalkeeper in return thanked the Katikiro for the support and chance to host him. “I am delighted to meet you and it is a great honor for me to be here. We all know football unites out nation and I thank everyone for the amazing support towards the Cranes,” noted Onyango, who featured in all Cranes games at this year’s AFCON.
The former SC Villa captain has remained tight lipped on his retirement rumors from the national team.
