Mamelodi Sundowns African Tour in Uganda: Inspiring the Next Generation of African Football Talent

Mamelodi Sundowns African Tour in Uganda:

Inspiring the Next Generation of African Football Talent

Author: Natashe Hove

For Mamelodi Sundowns, football has always been more than a game but a powerful force for change. This ethos was at the heart of the Club’s special visit to Uganda to kick off the Mamelodi Sundowns Africa Tour.

In partnership with the Denis Onyango Foundation and FUFA (Federation of Uganda Football Associations), the three-day tour was designed to honour Onyango’s contribution to Sundowns’ success, reconnect him with his roots, and further strengthen the Club’s impact on the African continent.

Led by Club Chairman, Thlopie Motsepe, the Sundowns delegation included Club legends, Academy Coaches and technical staff. Their journey took them through Butambala and Kampala, retracing the path that saw Onyango rise from a hopeful young player to a continental football icon.

A Hero’s Homecoming: Ntanda College, Butambala
(20 March 2025)

The tour kicked off with an emotional return to Ntanda College, Onyango’s former school. As the Sundowns delegation arrived, the school erupted with cheers from students eager to meet one of Uganda’s most celebrated footballers.

Denis Onyango, deeply moved, expressed his appreciation for Sundowns’ commitment to the initiative.

“Gratitude to the Masandawana family for making this trip. It was not an easy journey because they had to travel overnight, and when they landed, they had to drive from Entebbe to Butambala just to come and say hello to you guys and thank you for nurturing Denis Onyango,” he said.

Beyond the celebration, Onyango took a moment to remind the students of the importance of perseverance.

“For me, my biggest achievement in all of this was seeing young blood that wants to become better. Sacrificing your time to be here with us today shows that you are willing to learn, and that’s the first step toward success. We wish you all the best in your studies and your future, because the future is what we are here for,” he added when talking to the Ntanda College learners.

Retracing the Roots: SC Villa & FUFA House, Kampala
(21 March 2025)

The tour continued in Kampala with a visit to SC Villa, the club that launched Onyango’s professional career. The Sundowns delegation engaged with the current SC Villa squad and staff, immersing themselves in the club’s storied history.

Sundowns legend Kennedy Mweene acknowledged the significance of the visit.
“It’s a way to say thank you to the club that introduced Denis to professional football. For Mamelodi Sundowns to come and be part of this story, is because of what Denis has done for the club. For that reason, we will support Denis in his efforts to inspire the next generation of Ugandan football talent,” he stated.

Among those most inspired was SC Villa’s current goalkeeper, Meddie Kibiringe, who spoke about Onyango’s influence on his career.

“I follow his (Denis) training philosophy. I’m always watching videos of him training that the club posts on their socials. I follow the games to watch him play. It encourages me to keep on improving and trying every day because I would have given up. He is my inspiration,” he shared.

The delegation then made their way to FUFA House, the headquarters of Ugandan football. FUFA President Moses Hasim Magogo lauded the initiative as a milestone for Ugandan football.

“We are proud to have our export of Ugandan football recognized by such a Club for his contribution to their legacy and success. He is an idol and a role model for all Ugandan youth. As a federation, we are proud to have such an ambassador for Ugandan football. It exposes us to the continental football market, and it’s also an opportunity for our clubs to learn that success is not just about scoring goals, but about building a brand with impact beyond the pitch. It’s great to see so many of their (Sundowns) former players using their influence to help the club reach more people through ambassadorial work and coaching. We are proud to be part of such a moment,” he said.

Inspiring the Future: Hamz Stadium Football Clinic
(22 March 2025)

The final day of the tour was dedicated to giving back to Ugandan youth. At Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds. Mamelodi Sundowns hosted a football clinic for 100 young players—50 boys and 50 girls—providing them with expert coaching and mentorship.

Denis Onyango highlighted the importance of inclusivity in football development.
“Mamelodi Sundowns has an inclusive approach to football, and there is a lot of focus on the development of women’s football. That is why the opportunity was awarded to both boys and girls,” he explained.

The clinic also featured special appearances from Ugandan Cranes legends Hassan Wasswa and Tonny Mawejje, who worked alongside Sundowns’ academy coaches to mentor the youngsters.

Club Chairman Thlopie Motsepe used the occasion to reaffirm Mamelodi Sundowns’ commitment to African football.

“Denis carries the mantle when it comes to Ugandan football in South Africa because of what he has achieved. But there are a lot of other Ugandan players who have made it in South Africa. It’s an opportunity to say that the doors are always open at our clubs, and if you work hard, you can always make your way to our shores,” he said.

Chairman Motsepe emphasized the importance of the initiative.
“I can see a lot of passion and enthusiasm in these young players. That’s a great place to start, and with practice, you can make a difference. This was the purpose of the football clinic, to teach them fundamentals but also to inspire them to want to become better and have fun while doing it,” he concluded.

A Fitting Finale: The Denis Onyango Documentary Screening

To close off the tour, the Sundowns delegation and the young players made their way to Arena Mall in Kampala for a special screening of the Masinde – The Denis Onyango Documentary which was released in 2022. The movie is available on the Mamelodi Sundowns YouTube Channel

Mamelodi Sundowns’ visit to Uganda was more than a tribute to Denis Onyango. It reinforced the club’s commitment to developing football across Africa, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, and using its platform to inspire future generations.

For the young footballers of Uganda, the message was clear: dreams are valid, and with the right effort, they can become reality. The various activities that celebrate the legacy of Denis Onyango will surely inspire the next generation of footballers, not only in Uganda but also on the African Continent.

Mamelodi Sundowns not only celebrated one of its greatest-ever players but took another step in ensuring that its legacy, both on and off the pitch, continues to shape the future of African football.

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