Mike Azira heads the ball during Uganda vs Congo at Namboole Credit: © Kawowo Sports | JOHN BATANUDDE

The endless back and forth trips for Mike Azira have finally had him feature in his first competitive international game, for Uganda.

The defensive midfielder played against Congo Brazzaville on Saturday in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Russia at Namboole.

Uganda Cranes' Mike Azira in action against Congo Brazzaville.
[/media-credit] Uganda Cranes’ Mike Azira in action against Congo Brazzaville. Credit: © Kawowo Sports | JOHN BATANUDDE

Azira was a second half substitute for the injured Tonny Mawejje and like expected, it was a dream come true.

“It feels good, everyone wants to represent their country, so for me going out there was really nice,” Azira told Kawowo Sports on Saturday.

It’s exciting, and I bet whoever plays for their country, they are living their dream, and always excited.

But it’s not a big deal, we have so many good players who can do the job, I have to be grateful to God for bringing me here and giving me the chance to represent my county.

Uganda Cranes coach Micho was equally impressed with Azira’s performance on an evening the Cranes exuded immense creativity from the midfield.

“He (Azira) has just had three training sessions with the team, and he showed what MLS can do to a player,” Micho told a post press conference, he added.

“Of course there things like acclimatization and adopting to how the team plays but there is no doubt that he is a valuable addition to the team.”

Mike Azira heads the ball during Uganda vs Congo at Namboole
[/media-credit] Mike Azira heads the ball during Uganda vs Congo at Namboole Credit: © Kawowo Sports | JOHN BATANUDDE

Currently Azira plays at the top most level among the Ugandan players, the Major League Soccer and his Colorado Rapids is in the finals of the western conference.

Senior staff writer at Kawowo Sports mainly covering volleyball, football and badminton

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