Uganda Cranes midfielder Mike Azira joined Hassan Wasswa and captain Denis Onyango in announcing their retirements from national duties.
Uganda Cranes midfielder Mike Azira has joined the list of two other players including defender Hassan Wasswa and captain Denis Onyango to announce his retirement from national duties.
In a letter dated Wednesday 14th April 2021, Azira thanked his friends and all those he shared the dressing room with including teammates, coaches and managers.
He said it was an honour for him to represent the country.
Azira also noted that it was a good moment for him to play for his mother country most importantly in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament on two occasions.
“Please accept this letter that i wish to retire from playing for the National football team effective April 14th 2021. Playing for the National team has been a honor and I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to represent my country and my family,” Azira wrote.
“I have enjoyed working with the Federation and playing for the National team. Playing in two African Cup on nations was one of the best moments with the cranes. These memories will always stay with me and they will be cherished always.”
Also, he wrote thanking the fans who have always rallied behind him every time he stepped on the pitch to represent. He noted that he will be looking to rally the same support to the next generation of players.
“I take this moment to thank all the coaches I have worked with over the years and I also thank our fans who always supported us at home and on the road. I wish you the best and I will continue to support the Cranes in anyway possible,” he added.
Azira now joins the list of Onyango and Hassan Wasswa as the other two players who have so far stepped aside from national team football.
Their retirements, however, come following ongoing wrangles between the football fraternity and Federation of Uganda Football Association President, Moses Magogo.
Last week, in a video that made rounds on different social media platforms, Magogo was overheard telling players who participated in the just concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament in Cameroon that their performance does not qualify them for any payments or salaries.
The statement, however, was not well received by a big section of individuals from the football fraternity including both current and retired national team players including goalie Onyango who was heard in audio saying that “he cannot continue playing for the federation”.
