Denis Onyango ready to challenge Ronwen Williams for Mamelodi Sundowns spot

Denis Onyango ready to challenge Ronwen Williams for Mamelodi Sundowns spot

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango is ready to step up in the battle for the number-one jersey, which is currently occupied by Ronwen Williams, at the club.

Following the arrival of the Bafana Bafana international from SuperSport United, the veteran Ugandan shot-stopper lost his place in the starting eleven until he was recently recalled in the victories over TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United.

Onyango argues the large squad at Chloorkop naturally means every player has to be prepared to make an impact at any given point when given an opportunity.

"I think we as players have a mentality that is being instilled in us that we always have to be ready, the competitiveness has to be there all the time – you never know when you're going to play so you need to be ready all the time when you're given an opportunity," said Onyango.

"So, you must be on your toes all the time when you're at Sundowns, and I believe that's what was done by the players who came in to replace those who were playing regularly."

After tomorrow’s game away to Orlando Pirates, The Brazilians go into two different cup competitions – the Nedbank Cup and the start of the CAF Champions League group stages.

The ‘keeper says Saturday’s game is about maintaining momentum and consistency too. 

"We're looking forward to the big encounter because we all know that whenever we play Orlando Pirates, it's a mouthwatering game," he added.

"For us, we just need to keep the momentum going forward because we have very important games coming up in this month but, of course, we take one game at a time.

"The first game this month is [against] Orlando Pirates and we know that it's going to be a very difficult game away from home, but we must just give our best because everyone is ready and everyone is fresh for the game, so we expect a very good encounter."