DStv Premiership reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for a significant shakeup in their goalkeeping department.
Sundowns are known to constantly refresh their squad and add quality season in, season out. In recent seasons, they have had some of the best shot-stoppers, who did exceptionally well on the domestic and international front.
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has stood shoulders above the rest both for club and country. Williams broke the DStv Premiership clean sheet record last season.
When he secured an 18th clean sheet last season, he surpassed a then record of 17 clean sheets previously held by Orlando Pirates legend, Moeneeb Josephs, since the 2009/10 season.
At the 2023 AFCON, 32-year-old Williams played a crucial role, breaking the record for most clean sheets in a single tournament, previously held by Andre Arendse. He kept five clean sheets, bettering the previous record by one.
Onyango, on the other hand, became the first goalkeeper to win 10 league winners medals last season. Despite only featuring twice for Masandawana, it marked out the 38-year-old former Uganda international as the most successful footballer in the history of the South African game.
His exceptional hard work earned him global recognition in 2016. He ranked 10th in the IFFHS Top 10 Goalkeepers, surpassing notable names like Petr Cech and Marc-André ter Stegen.
That year was also successful for Sundowns, as they won the 2016 CAF Champions League and the Absa Premiership. Onyango was named the 2016 African Inter-Club Player of the Year.
WHAT GOALKEEPING SHAKEUP IS LOOMING AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS?
The legendary stopper, Onyango, is reportedly nearing the end of his illustrious career. The former Uganda Cranes captain, who turns 39 next month, has reportedly hinted at potential retirement after the current season, leaving the club to solidify its plan for the future.
Onyango, a stalwart for Sundowns over the past decade, has seen reduced playing time this season. He has made just five appearances, with Williams firmly established as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Reyaad Pieterse, Sundowns’ third-choice keeper, has featured even less, playing only twice this season. However, the recent granting of a lengthy contract to the 32-year-old indicates the club’s belief that he can step into the deputy role once Onyango hangs up his boots.
Further change is expected with the return of Ricardo Goss from his loan spell at SuperSport United. Goss, who is Williams’ backup choice for the South African national team, will challenge Pieterse for the number two position.
The club also has Jody February waiting on the wings. The start of the season also saw Kennedy Mweene retire from playing and transition into a role as the club’s assistant goalkeeper coach. Whether Onyango will follow a similar path after retirement remains to be seen.
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