US-based Uganda Cranes midfielder Michael Azira has joined former skipper Denis Onyango and his assistant Hassan Wasswa to leave the Uganda Cranes in a period of less than a week.
The 33-year-old New Mexico United defensive midfielder filed a letter to the local football governing body, FUFA notifying them of his intention to hang his boots with immediate effect.
“Please accept this letter as a notification that I wish to retire from playing for the national football team effective April 14, 2021. I take this moment to thank all the coaches that I have worked with over the years and I also thank our fans who always supported us at home and on the road,” Azira wrote.
The 33-year-old last played for Cranes in the 1-0 loss to Malawi at the St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende in the Afcon qualifiers.
Azira who got his Cranes debut in 2006 now joins a growing list of Cranes players who have hung up their boots in the past week including former captain Denis Onyango and defender Hassan Wasswa.
The midfielder’s resignation also adds to a sense of crisis in the Cranes’ camp, following comments from FUFA president Magogo who accused players of playing “shitty” football in the recently concluded CHAN finals where Uganda failed to make it out of the group stages.
Sources close to the Federation intimate that there more senior players who are set to leave the Cranes squad. We will keep you posted.
