Former Cranes defender ‘Jajja Walu’ announces retirement

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Former Uganda Cranes defender Godfrey Walusimbi, also known as ‘Jajja Walu’ has announced that he is retiring from active football after two decades in the game.

Walusimbi started his career in 2000 at Mpigi United FC, before joining Sports Club Villa as a youth player, and later signed his first professional contract with the same club in 2007. He has played for both local and international clubs including SC Villa, Bunamwaya FC, Don Bosco in DR Congo, Gor Mahia of Kenya, Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa and Vllaznia in Albania.

He made his senior National team debut in 2009 and has been a strong pillar of the national team where he completed 105 caps in the Uganda Cranes jersey. Walusimbi was part of the historical squad that played in the 2017 African Cup of Nations after breaking the 39-year-old wait.

He was also among the few players who returned to AFCON in Egypt, 2019 as the Cranes made it two back-to-back qualifications and now joins a growing list of colleagues to hang up their boots. Those who have retired in recent years include Mike Azira, Denis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa, and Tonny Mawejje among others.

Walusimbi who is retiring at 33 said that he will now delve into coaching because he believes football is part of his life.

“I confidently confirm that I can’t miss playing football at all and straight away transition is going to be into football management/coaching… and I am so excited to start the next challenge and hope to approach it with the same determination I had as a player,” Walusimbi announced in a statement dated October 5, 2022.

Andy Mwesigwa, his former Captain on the National team applauded Walusimbi for consistency which he says is one of the challenges Ugandan players face.

“I will remember him as one of the most talented left-footed players, he was a committed guy during my time, we won the CECAFA tournament with him and later played with him in AFCON qualifiers, he is consistent and very hardworking,” Mwesigwa said.

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