Uganda Cranes midfielder Hassan Wasswa Mawanda has announced his retirement from the national men’s football team at 33 years.
Wasswa confirmed his retirement in a statement released on Friday where he said it was a very big honour to represent the people of Uganda in the last 13 years.
“Today is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude,” read part of the statement from Wasswa.
“Playing for Cranes has been a tremendous honour. During my 13 years as a Cranes player, I’ve always pursued success and winning football games, while preparing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion, and perseverance.
“It has been an honour to represent my family, my teammates, and the people of Uganda.“With much sadness but without regret, I realise I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands. I say this with a heavy heart.“I am retiring from the national team. I love the game of football so much, and I know there is truly only one acceptable way to play. Knowing I can no longer compete at a level that I find acceptable, I have chosen to end my Cranes career.
Wasswa has represented the Uganda Cranes at two consecutive AFCON finals; 2017 in Gabon and 2019 in Egypt with his last assignment for the national team at the finals being the Uganda Cranes game against Senegal in the quarterfinals.
The versatile midfielder who also featured as a center back for the Cranes managed a total of 75 caps for the Uganda national football team.
Away from Uganda, Hassan Wasswa has played for St George (Ethiopia), FC Cape Town (South Africa), Karabukspor (Turkey), Altay (Turkey), Kayseri Erciyesspor (Turkey), Dong Nai (Vietnam), Al Shorta (Iraq), Nejmeh Sporting Club (Lebanon), Tala’ea El Gaish Sporting Club (Egypt) and lately Jeddah club in Saudi Arabia.
“I thank Allah every day for all that he has given me: my family, my friends, my teammates, and for making me Ugandan. Today, I would like to thank God for having been given an opportunity to play for Cranes, and for allowing me the privilege of a 13-year professional football career.” The 33-yr-old said in a statement
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