Denis Onyango on the Cusp of More History as Mamelodi Sundowns Challenge for Sh19.6 Billion Trophy

Uganda Cranes veteran Denis Onyango will begin another chapter of his incredible career with Mamelodi Sundowns as the South African giants feature in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Sundowns are just one win away from securing a prestigious FIFA trophy as they prepare to host Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Ahli in Pretoria this Saturday.

The September 19 clash will see the champions of Africa and Asia go head-to-head for the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, a key fixture in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup tournament.

Ugandan goalkeeper Onyango’s long and decorated career with Sundowns has made him a central figure in one of the most successful periods in African club football history.

He has not only won the league title 12 times, the most by any player, nine of them with Sundowns, but he also has two CAF Champions League crowns even though he is hardly playing these days.

While South Africa's captain, Ronwen Williams, is the established number one for Sundowns, the 41-year-old Onyango remains an integral part of the squad. The former Uganda Cranes captain provides a vital Ugandan connection to this major global club event.

Onyango has spent over a decade at the South African club, amassing numerous domestic titles and playing a pivotal role in their success.

Although his on-field role has diminished with Williams' rise, Onyango continues to offer invaluable experience and leadership. He has often spoken of his commitment to maintaining high standards in training, keeping pace with his younger teammates as he nears the end of his playing career.

A victory for Sundowns would add another international honour to Onyango's already glittering career, which is intrinsically linked to the club's rise as a dominant force on the continent.

Sundowns will receive $1 million (Sh3.9 billion) even if they are eliminated in their opening match against Al Ahli but a victory would double their earnings to around $2 million (Sh7.8 billion).

Reaching the final could see that figure rise to $4 million (Sh15.7 billion), with the ultimate prize of $5 million (Sh19.6 billion) reserved for the world champion.

Sundowns earned their place by winning the CAF Champions League, while Al Ahli qualified as the AFC Champions League Elite winners. The Saudi team secured their spot in this showdown after defeating Oceania champions Auckland City in Jeddah.

This is no ordinary preliminary match; there is significant silverware on the line. FIFA has confirmed that the winner will be crowned the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup champion and will advance to the FIFA Challenger Cup later this year.

This gives Sundowns a chance to become the first African club to win this trophy under the current Intercontinental Cup format, which was introduced in 2024. The competition provides an annual pathway for the champions of FIFA's six confederations to compete for a world club title. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were the winners of the 2024 and 2025 editions, respectively.

A win against Al Ahli would propel Sundowns into the Challenger Cup, where they would face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas. That match will feature Concacaf champions Toluca against the yet-to-be-crowned 2026 Copa Libertadores winners.

The ultimate prize awaits the Challenger Cup victor: a final showdown against UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. This means Sundowns are potentially just three wins away from being crowned world champions, though the opposition will become progressively tougher.