Murushid Juuko Retires From Uganda Cranes Duty

January 13, 2022
Murushid Juuko

Murushid Juuko

Express FC central defender, Murushid Juuko has announced his retirement from International football today.

The development comes after FIFA slapped him with 20m fine for elbowing Mali player, Ibrahim Kone in the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali at St.Mary’s Stadium Kitende in October 2021.

In a letter addressed to FUFA today, Juuko confirmed his retirement from the Cranes duty, thanked the federation and teammates for the support during his time at the national team.

Murushid Juuko

If you told me as a young boy i would have played for my country (Uganda cranes) over fifty caps and line up against some of the biggest national teams, i would have told you it was a fantasy.

I am fortunate to have trellised those dreams. However, i feel i have served the nation enough and its time to call it a day with the Uganda Cranes.

This hasn’t been a simple decision for me to make but together my family and management we think this is the right step for me.

I want to take this opportunity to thank FUFA, my teammates on the national team (past and present), the government and all football stake holders for their support during my time with the Uganda Cranes.

I wish the Uganda Cranes the best of luck in their future endeavors and will now concentrate on my club football with Express FC.

Murushid Juuko
Murushid Juuko letter to FUFA

Juuko made his Cranes debut on July 11, 2014 against Seychelles with Uganda winning the match 1-0.

He has earned 39 caps, scoring one goal.

His highest moment was featuring at two consecutive AFCON finals with the Uganda Cranes in Gabon (2017) and Egypt (2019).

He joins Mike Azira, Hassan Wasswa and goalkeeper Dennis Masinde Onyango who retired from International football last year.

At the club level, Juuko started his football career at Kiwafu based – Entebbe Academy. He played for Bunamwaya (Vipers SC), Red Cross (loan), Sports Club Victoria University (SCVU), Simba (Tanzania) and Wydad Casablanca in Morocco. He is now at Express FC.