FUFA has hailed Godfrey “Jajja Walu” Walusimbi for what he has offered to the national team (Cranes) and football in general. Arguably the most consistent player at the Cranes in the last ten years, Walusimbi officially announced his retirement from international football on Saturday, 5th October, 2019 and the federation is humbled for his contribution.
“FUFA shall forever remember the fond and great memories especially when you ruled the left back role of Uganda for a decade ably controlling the world’s finest players. FUFA is proud of your services and commitment to this great Nation Uganda whenever you played and we wish you fruitful deliberations in future,” Fufa echoed in a statement.
Walusimbi earned 105 caps for Uganda Cranes since 2009 and has been part of the team that played two back to back Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in 2017 and 2019 hosted by Gabon and Egypt respectively.
The former SC Villa, Gor Mahia and Kaizer Chiefs star made his decision known to FUFA and the entire country, hours after newly named Cranes coach Jonathan Mckinstry released a 22-man squad for the international friendly against Ethiopia, on 13th October.
Walusimbi was surprisingly not part of the summoned squad despite being a mainstay in the Cranes fold for the last ten years.
In his statement confirming retirement from international football, the left back expressed delight for being accorded the opportunity to represent his country at the highest 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.
“It’s been 10 years down the road, having a great honour and privilege to represent my country Uganda in international football tournaments. Together with the support of my teammates, management, fans, and the government at large, I believe I have done my best concerning representation of my country with full abilities. To that, I have decided to let younger players to showcase their abilities too, and we hope they too will embody the spirit of the nation. I wish the national team the best of luck in their future endeavors, as I focus on my current club. I would like to thank you FUFA, Government and my family, may God bless you. For God and my Country,” read Walusimbi’s statement.
The defender has played for Uganda at all levels –starting from U17 to the senior at which his debut came on 4 September 2010 under Coach Bobby Williamson during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola –coming on as a substitute for the injured Nestory Kizito.
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 Namboole stadium.
