Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango says the loss to Orlando Pirates wasn’t the best way to go into the international break, but the squad is raring to go ahead of their Nedbank Cup quarter-final this evening.
Sundowns suffered a 2-1 loss to Pirates in the league, which saw their lead closed down to 15 points, with the Buccaneers also having four games in hand.
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And now they take on Sekhukhune United this evening in a match that was postponed three weeks ago due to a double booking with the women’s national U17 team’s FIFA World Cup qualifier at the same venue.
“The international break wasn’t the best having a loss behind us, but going forward with the club for me personally, I had an African tour with the club giving back to the Ugandans, young ones playing football and of course my former club and former school,” he said.
“It was for my club [Sundowns] to also see my roots, where I come from, who gave me the opportunity to play professional football, it went well, the Chairman was involved with a few marketing people and also academy coaches to support the boys and girls.
“It was a group of 100 kids, 50 boys, 50 girls. So, it went well to market the club and giving back to the people of Uganda – building on to going forward for the Club World Cup. So, I think it was a fantastic international break because we made the trip, and I saw many people who enriched me to become better.”
The match played today no doubt adds to the scheduling nightmare as they face Esperance Sportive de Tunis on Tuesday for their 1st leg CAF Champions League quarter-final, but Onyango says things are positive within the camp.
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“The preparations have went well, we would have loved to have played a couple of weeks back, it was postponed while we were in camp, we slept there, you know it is when we prepare for a game, but we’re looking forward to the game,” he said.
“Some guys were in the national team and joined us for a few days but we have no choice, we have a lot of games we need to play for the league, Champions League and Nedbank Cup.
“The guys are looking forward, everyone who’s given an opportunity has to give his best because we’re all here to play. For me, I think, the game on Friday will give us one more game before we play Esperance, but so far so good, we’re looking forward to it.”
Sundowns host Babina Noko this evening at the Lucas Matserpeices Moripe Stadium (19h00).
