FUFA President Magogo Bids Farewell to Ex-Cranes Midfielder Mike Azira

Kampala – The FUFA president, Moses Magogo has penned down a rather emotional farewell note to Mike Azira.

In the note to former Cranes midfielder, Magogo praised Azira for his unrevelled professional conduct on the national team and support in uplifting young players.

Azira’s pronouncement to retire from national duty comes barely a week since Cranes skipper Denis Onyango hang his gloves.

FUFA President Moses Magogo (File Photo)

Below are excerpts of Magogo’s farewell note


Well done Mike
Webale innho Munha
Apwoyo 👏

You can choose what to say, but the fact is I have enjoyed a different but personal relationship with each of these players beyond football.

  1. Wasswa Hassan (33)
  2. Denis Onyango (35)
  3. Mike Azira (33)

Whereas it is the norm for players to retire from the national team at this age and have a few more years for club football, it does not take away the emotions of retirement. As a serious administration we indeed so this reality coming and planned for it.

Mike has been the most professional footballer I have worked with. Dedicated to instructions, rules, and helping young players on the on and off the field etiquette of a professional footballer.

Mike told me his wish to retire in Malawi immediately after the game and I told him, let the heat of the loss subside then you can take the decision. Thank you for listening to me.

As anyone who has played football, that moment comes when only you feels how you feel. When the body and the mind get a conversation, then the inevitable difficult decision comes. If you refuse to take hard decision, the decision takes itself.

I thank Mike for that conversation at the airport in Blantyre that opened my mind that it is time for young players to take over as room is being created by the retiring player.

That stellar performance against Ghana Afcon 2017 in Gabon stands out in the many outings you did

Mike is a historical midfielder and this earns him the opportunity to opt for a testimonial match

I pray your club career continues and those coaching badges get done so that you can be retained by the game after

Moses Magogo
FUFA President

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