Onyango chases glory, riches at Club W. Cup

Viewer, and reader, discretion is advised: this story involves large sums of money - big money - at a time when the average Ugandan wallet is still nursing a December hangover.

January, with its seemingly endless 31 days, can feel like a marathon. But for Uganda’s Denis Onyango and his South African teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns, June holds the promise of a sprint to glory and riches at the Fifa Club World Cup in the USA.

Sundowns, Egypt’s Al Ahly, Espérance of Tunisia, and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca are the four African teams competing at the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup.

Crazy money

The foursome - pooled in Group F alongside Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Fluminense (Brazil), and Ulsan HD (Korea) - are gunning for a share of the staggering total prize money of Shs9.8 trillion, which is approximately one-seventh of Uganda’s entire 2024/25 budget of Shs72 trillion.

This year’s prize money is 165 times greater than the total purse of 2023, which was a mere $16 million (Shs59 billion).

The total kitty of Shs9.8 trillion could build hospitals, state-of-the-art stadiums, or fuel the tourism industry in Uganda, fundamentally shifting the economic landscape.

In 2023, the winner took home $5 million (Shs18 billion), but the 2025 champions will laugh in disbelief, as they’re set to walk away with approximately $100 million (Shs368 billion).

It would be pushing the patriotism button a little too far to say that Onyango and Sundowns could be seriously thinking about becoming world champions and digging their fingers into that Shs368 billion.

You would imagine it will be one game at a time for the South African giants. Yet, Sundowns are already winners and some good dollars rich by just being part of the exclusive 32 clubs.

By simply qualifying for the tournament, Sundowns - and the other 31 clubs - are each guaranteed a participation reward of approximately $50 million (Shs184 billion). From there, the prize money only increases as progress is made throughout the tournament.

For now, Onyango has chosen not to focus solely on the money, but the experience.

Forty in May, the Ugandan legend will make his second appearance at the Club World Cup, having debuted in 2016 after leading his club to the Caf Champions League title.

Grateful Onyango

“I feel very happy and blessed as the first Ugandan to play in two Fifa Club World Cups,” Onyango told the Daily Monitor ahead of the tournament in June-July.

“Being the first Ugandan to do so would be an incredible achievement, and looking at my age right now, I couldn’t be prouder.”

The former Uganda Cranes captain’s accolades are wide-ranging. South Africa’s most decorated footballer, Onyango has been featured in Caf’s best XI, voted African Player of the Year based on the continent, and played at two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

“And for me, it’s incredible for a young boy who came from the streets of Nsambya to become who I am and play at the highest level of football.

“I believe this will be a big inspiration to the youngsters out there - not to give up, not to focus on age in terms of playing, but on performance. 

“If you’re doing well, it doesn’t matter how old or young you are - just keep playing at the highest level. For me, it’s been an incredible journey, and I cherish it.”

Although Onyango may not be a regular starter since South African captain Ronwen Williams became the first-choice goalkeeper, the gangly Ugandan remains always ready whenever called upon.

The Sundowns goalkeeper acknowledges that their group is a tough one, but, again, he believes it is what it is.

“Our group has strong teams, and it’s going to be a very difficult one for us. But, of course, there are no easy games at the World Cup, as all the teams are champions in their respective continents.

“I believe the team will do well in terms of advancing past the group stages, and we’ll give it our best to bring joy to Africa. Not just for us, but for all the other teams from Africa. We know it’s not going to be easy, but we’ll give everything we’ve got.”

About the new Club World Cup

The Fifa Club World Cup 2025 is the global body’s new prime club competition and will take place in June and July when 32 of the world’s leading teams gather in the USA for the inaugural edition.

All six continents have representatives at the tournament. Caf club rankings over a period of four years were used to determine Africa’s representatives.

The initial stage at the tournament will have eight groups of four teams per pool playing in a single game round-robin format.

The top two teams per group progress to the round of 16. From hereon, there will be a direct single-match knockout stage all the way to the final.

Fifa Club World Cup 2025

Improved prize money

Total prize money: $2.65 billion (Shs9.8 trillion)

Champions: $100 million (Shs368b)

Participation reward: $50 million (Shs184 billion)

Prize money in 2023

Total prize money: $16 million (Shs59 billion)

Champions: $5 million (Shs18 billion)

Sixth: $1 million (Shs3.7 billion)

Last: $0.5 (Shs1.8 billion)