Mike Azira has become the latest Uganda Cranes player to hang up his boots and not play anymore international football.

The 33-year-old confirmed his retirement in a statement on Wednesday. He joins Hassan Wasswa and captain Denis Onyango who announced their retirement from international football just last week.

Azira made his debut in 2016 and represented his country at both the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The midfielder, who has been playing football in the United States of America (USA) since 2008, featured in all of six of the Cranes’ 2021 AFCON qualifiers.

 

 

The East Africans started their campaign positively but ultimately missed out on a place at next year’s finals in Cameroon. They finished 3rd in Group B with 8 points, falling short as Burkina Faso and Malawi qualified with 12 points and 10 points, respectively.

Uganda failed to win or draw in their last game against Malawi, which ultimately saw them getting knocked out of the competition.

“Wishing you the best of luck, Mike Azira. A ferocious midfielder and arguably part of the best midfield we have had,” former Cranes captain Denis Onyango said on Twitter.

 

 

“A ruthless player who never gave a damn about what anyone thought. A true professional who gave everything for the Cranes. Thank you and enjoy your retirement.”