The Uganda cranes left back Godfery Walusimbi alias Jajja Walu has officially retired from the Uganda cranes, bringing and end to a 10-year with the national team.
The former Sc villa, Gor Mahia and Kaizer chiefs star made his decision known to fufa and entire country after cranes coach Jonathan MC kinstry released a 22- man squad for the international friendly against Ethiopia on 13th October.
Walusimbi was surprisingly not part of the summoned squad a rare occurrence in the last decade as he has be a mainstay in the cranes fold.
According to statement released by the player the 30-year old expressed delight at being accorded the opportunity to represent his country at the international level.
He also expressed the need to let younger players come through and take over the role, as he feels they have more potential and desire to do great more than he still harbors.
“My best concerning representation with full abilities, so that I decided to let the younger ones to showcase their abilities too, and we hope them too will embody the spirit of the nation”.
He wishes the national team (Uganda cranes) the best of luck in their future endeavors and now he is going to focus on his current club.
He also thank the FUFA, fans government and his family member.
The left back came through the ranks and represented the country at all junior levels from U-17 to the U -23 level, helping the latter to a 2-1 victory over Tanzania during the All Africa games qualifies in 2021.
On 4 June 2011, he scored his first of three cranes goals against Guinea Bissau in a 2012 Africa cup of Nations qualification game at the Mandela National stadium Walu scored the opening goal, before Hamis Kizza came on to score the second .
Walu was part of the team that made history by qualifying for 2017 AfCON, and was again, as the cranes made history again by qualifying for the knockout stage of the tournament since 1978.
His last game for the cranes cane in 1-0 defeat against Senegal at the round of 16 stage, during the 2019 AFCON, in Egypt.
The player however remains active for his club sides FK Vllaznia in Albanina, while he still has less than one year left on his contract.
Walu is the highest capped player on the national team (since stats were first collected with los caps to his name , featuring two African cup of Nations finals appearance.
Meanwhile former Cranes Coach Sebastien Desabre and newly appointed Coach Johnathan Mckstry also reacted on Godfrey Walusimbi’s retirement from International football.
“Regular, faithful with his country and a warrior spirit. A big loss for the national team. good continuation Wasa”. Sebastian Desabre.
And newly appointed born Northern Ireland coach Johnathan Mckistry as he congratulated him during his ten year service to the Uganda Cranes.
“Congrats Godfrey Walusimbi on a fantastic decade wearing the UgandaCranes jersey.
Whilst you will no longer be on the field with us, your example will act as a benchmark for the next generation”. Good luck as you focus on your new challenge in Albania.
