Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango: From the First Star to the Second

Author: John Aliu

A decade separates Mamelodi Sundowns’ first CAF Champions League triumph in 2016 and the long-awaited second star in 2026. For legends Denis Onyango and Themba Zwane, the journey between those moments is defined not by time but by persistence, setbacks and a strong belief that history would eventually repeat itself.

Denis Onyango: “We never stopped knocking until the door opened.”

For Onyango, who is the most decorated player in the history of the PSL, the second star represents years of collective resilience through near misses, finals and rebuilding phases that tested the team’s mentality.

“What stands out for me is the persistence and determination of this group. We had the quality every season, but it was never enough without making history. So we kept pushing, kept knocking on the door year after year, believing that one day it would open for us and eventually it did.”

He acknowledges that the achievement carried the weight of previous disappointments. “It was overdue, especially with the heartbreaks we went through in past campaigns. But credit must go to the Club and management because they never lost belief in the process or in this group of players.”

The veteran goalkeeper pointed to last season’s final as a turning point. “Last season really hurt because we played good football, but did not finish the job when it mattered most in Egypt against Pyramids. This time – in Rabat, there was a different energy and the team was determined to give everything, to leave nothing behind and that made all the difference.”

For him, the impact of the triumph goes beyond silverware. “Winning the Champions League brings responsibility. Everyone now expects you to perform at the highest level every time you step on the pitch. That pressure is heavy, but it also strengthens us and keeps us sharp.”

Onyango wrapped his season review with gratitude to the supporters who stood by the team through every cycle. “The Yellow Nation has been with us through everything — the highs, the lows and the difficult moments. From travelling with us to all the matches, to eventually celebrating with us at OR Tambo International Airport in the early hours, their support means everything. This achievement belongs to them as well.”

Themba “Mshishi” Zwane: “We stayed together until it finally happened.”

For Zwane, the second star is the result of belief sustained through years of near success and disappointment.

“We have been close so many times, reaching finals and competing at the highest level, but something was always missing. This time, we refused to let it slip again. We stayed together, learned from those moments and believed that eventually it would come our way.”

He highlights the importance of mentality and experience in finally crossing the line. “The biggest difference was mentality. We understood better how to manage big moments because of everything we have been through as a group. That experience helped us stay calm, focused and execute when it mattered most.”

Zwane sees the triumph as part of a longer journey of growth. “Nothing in football is guaranteed because you have to earn everything. What we have achieved shows that if you stay consistent, keep working and remain united, your moment will come.”

Finally, he dedicated the achievement to those who supported the journey from the beginning. “The Yellow Nation supporters never stopped believing in us, even in the difficult times. This second star is as much theirs as it is ours because they carried us through every stage of this journey.”

Since joining the team in 2011, Denis Onyango and Themba Zwane have been central to Mamelodi Sundowns’ Continental journey, not just as players but as witnesses to its evolution. Their reflections tell a story built on patience, resilience and belief, where history was not rushed but earned. With all their achievements, the two players—who have recently had their contracts extended at Mamelodi Sundowns—will be part of the team next season as defending champions of the CAF Champions League.

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