Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango has welcomed the growing popularity of the CAF Champions League, saying African fans are helping restore the competition’s prestige through their increasing support and passionate matchday atmospheres.
The Ugandan international was speaking to CAFOnline in Johannesburg as Sundowns prepare for their first-leg semifinal clash against Morocco’s AS FAR on Sunday, 17 May, at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.
A full house is expected for the fixture, underlining the competition’s renewed appeal across the continent.
Onyango, who was part of the Sundowns squad that won the CAF Champions League in 2016, said the value of the tournament is now being better understood by clubs and supporters.
“I really need to give credit to the supporters who have recently shown love for African football. When you go to the North, fans there show passion for the Champions League and value it because they know how much it changes players’ lives and the image of the club,” Onyango said.
He added that increased fan engagement is a sign of progress for African club football.
“Very few clubs have a star above the logo but that will soon change as clubs and their fans show more love and passion for African club football,” he noted.
The 40-year-old also said clubs are now beginning to fully appreciate what success in the continental competition means.
“For me, I think we took a bit long to understand the value of the Champions League. Winning it gives mileage to the club,” he said.
Onyango stressed that ambition, investment, and planning remain key for success at this level.
“The mentality and ambition of the club is important because it requires sacrifice and deep pockets. But clubs across Africa have realised this, and it is now showing with fans packing stadiums during Champions League matches,” he explained.
He further called on club leadership to increase investment in order to remain competitive.
“I’m happy that our clubs have understood the value of the Champions League now as we see fans coming out in numbers across Africa. For us to come to the party and dominate as well, we need club presidents and chairmen investing more in preparation,” Onyango said.
Sundowns head into Sunday’s tie aiming to take advantage of a strong home atmosphere at Loftus Stadium as they continue their push for a second CAF Champions League title, nearly a decade after their historic triumph in 2016.
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