'Sundowns edging closer to CAFCL glory' - Denis Onyango | OneFootball

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Downs within reach of CAFCL title, says Onyango

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/ Gallo Images

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango says the Tshwane giants are edging closer to lifting the coveted CAF Champions League trophy.

The veteran shot-stopper was part of the Downs team that clinched the prestigious title under the tutelage of Pitso Mosimane in 2016.

However, since then, Sundowns somewhat choke in the knockout stages, having recently fell to Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the final last season.

Despite the shortcomings, Onyango believes the South African champions can go all the way and add a second star on their crest this campaign.

“I think all the boys know what to do. Last season we were very close to winning the Champions League, I believe that this season we can do it because we've moved closer, we've been knocked out a couple of times in the quarterfinals, semi-finals and we lost in the final,” he said.

"So, we're getting there and the boys know that the task ahead is very difficult, but we just need to keep fighting. African football is very difficult, and you can never know who's stronger, even the strong teams lose.

"The mentality must be always to keep winning, and try to get results at home because away from home it's always difficult. But for me, the message is always to fight for the badge, change the way the badge looks right now because we found it without a star - we put a star there.

The 40-year-old Uganda international likened the current team led by head coach Miguel Cardoso to the side that delivered the last and only continental triumph at Chloorkop.

“We need another star and it's for the boys to make history and lift the team because it's very important to try and always give the best to the team and that's what they are doing,” added Onyango, who is in the final six months of his contract.

"There's a lot of youngsters in the team of course, but we also had youngsters like Percy Tau, who were fighting and I believe that we have the same quality in the team right now that can change the badge in terms of winning a star for the club.