Mamelodi Sundowns stops Uganda Cranes captain Dennis Onyango to join the team’s training camp in Dubai.
Uganda Cranes head coach Jonathan McKinstry says he is disappointed with Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to stop captain Dennis Onyango to join the team’s training camp in Dubai.
“We are very disappointed in Mamelodi Sundowns position regarding not releasing Onyango for international duty during the October 2020 FIFA dates,” Mckinstry told FUFA media.
Dennis Onyango will not be joining the rest of the team in camp as he was stopped from travelling to Dubai for the camp with the club arguing that he will have to undergo a two-weeks quarantine upon return which rules him out for the start of the season which is set for October 17.
“Whilst they have released other team members to their respective nations; they communicated to us on Monday this week that they wished to keep Dennis Onyango with them on the basis that he would have to quarantine upon return to South Africa.”
“As a national team we have been clear that we would not call players to this camp who would have to quarantine on return to their respective clubs for example players based in Israel and USA.”
“We asked Sundowns for evidence of the regulation regarding quarantine, and they were only able to provide information regarding tourists arriving in South Africa, and not residents as is the case with Onyango,” he said.
“Upon further checks from our side, the South African government’s position appears clear regarding any potential quarantine in that exceptions exist for business travellers with rare and critical skills, diplomats, investors, repatriated individuals and professional athletes.”
“Despite all of this, and direct dialogue between myself, our national teams’ officer and staff from Sundowns, their position has remained the same,” McKinstry noted.
The gaffer went on to say that Dennis Onyango was eager to join the camp but his employers couldn’t allow him to do so.
“We would like to state however, that Dennis Onyango has always been eager to join us in Dubai and we feel he has been put in a very difficult position by his employers.”
“As such we attach no blame in this situation to the player who remains a key part of our plans for AFCON 2022 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.”
“Mamelodi Sundowns are one of the leading clubs in Africa, and this situation, in our opinion differs greatly from the levels of professionalism we have come to expect from them over the years,” he further noted.
Dennis Onyango joins Smouha FC’s forward Derrick Nsibambi as another foreign player to miss the training camp in Dubai.
Meanwhile, a contingent of 26 members including officials and 14 players touched down in Dubai on Thursday morning after securing their travel clearance which had stopped the team fro travelling to the United Arab Emirates.
By press time, eight foreign based players including Jayden Onen, Elvis Bwomono, Joesph Ochaya, Nicolas Wadada, Allan Kyambade, Salim Jamal, Farouk Miya and Bevis Mugabi had already arrived to the training venue.
The rest of the players are expected to join the camp today(Thursday).
Full Squad That was Summoned
Goalkeepers
Denis Onyango Mamelodi Sundowns),Salim Jamal ( Al hilal Omdurman)Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume FC), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC)
Defenders
Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe), Alex Kakuba ( Desportivo Cova De Piedade), Elvis Bwomono ( Southen United), Nicholas Wadada ( Azam FC), Bevis Mugabi ( Motherwell), Samuel Kato (KCCA FC), Halid Lwaliwa ( Vipers SC), Patrick Mbowa ( URA FC)
Midfielders
Shafik Kagimu (URA FC), Karim Watambala ( Vipers SC), Saidi Kyeyune (URA FC), Allan Kateregga (Erbil), Farouk Miya (Konyaspor), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Jayden Onen (Reading), David Owori (SC Villa), Bright Anukani ( KCCA FC)
Forwards
Milton Kariisa (Vipers SC), Alex Bbaka ( Umea), Edrisa Lubega (Piade Linnameskond)
Officials
Leader of Delegation Ronnie Kalema ( FUFA Executive Member)
Johnathan McKnistry (head coach), Abudallah Mubiru (Assistant coach), Livingston Mbabazi (assistant coach), Ibrahim Mugisha ( goalkeeping coach), Alexander McCarthy (fitness trainer), Felix Ayobo ( Sports Scientist) Emmanuel Nakabago ( doctor), Regan Innocent Baluku ( doctor), Samuel Mulondo ( kitman), Ayub Balyejusa (kitman), Paul Mutakabala (team Officer) Geoffrey Massa (team manager), Ronnie Lusulire (media Officer)
