Walukuba, an estate in Jinja district is a renowned place for harboring talented footballers.
From the Jalendo brothers, Charles and Kissa Jalendo to Abbey Dhaira [RIP], the estate has produced some of the celebrated and cherished players in the country.
In a queue of Walukuba’s best is Geoffrey Massa, if not the estate’s best closely follows the best.
A national team career that spanned 12 years, Massa played with great passion and dedication, and off the field, was a benefactor. He officially announced his retirement on Wednesday, and the land that bred him paid tribute when the news hit the country.
In a narrative way, Faisal Mayemba, Dhaira’s former manager who currently oversees projects formed in the goalkeeper’s memory says: “He is arguably the best player Walukuba has produced. He started playing competitive football while still young and I’m not surprised he has retired still young.
“As Walukuba we are proud to have Uganda’s leading goal scorer in the Afcon/world cup qualifiers. Geoffrey [Massa] summarizes the quality and massive soccer talent we have produced for our motherland Uganda.
“He was always the best and ever playing with big boys, extremely fast and master at goalkeeping especially spot kicks. Him and Dhaira were our best penalty goalkeepers. It will take us ages to have a player in Massa’s mold. His qualities are simply exceptional.”
Massa rewrote the history books when his captaincy witnessed Uganda Cranes play at the Africa Cup of Nations early this year for the first time since 1978, and to Fred Luyinda, the 31-year-old was a winner.
“I have known him as a winner. He always did whatever it took to make his side win. He has always been a dependable player wherever he went right from Redstar, Walukuba West P/S, Police, Cranes and other teams. No wonder I was not surprised when he led the national team to Afcon after such a long time. He has become an inspiration to the young generation in Walukuba. I will always miss his pace and power upfront.”
Taddues Zabbwe, his former teammate at Redstar believes he has shown the young generation the path to follow. “He has been such a wonderful guy at the helm of the Uganda Cranes. He has shown the young generation the path to follow and how to make it in football. Amiable in football terms, his history of football has been rich. He is envied by many but wish him the best as we hope he embarks on coaching.”
Massa grew into a respectable striker, but growing up, he was a versatile player and JMC’s winger Jimmy Jalendo, his former teammate at UTOA and Redstar recalls what a savior he was.
“It’s unfortunate majority of Ugandans didn’t get the chance to see the defender in Massa. He was very good at both ends; he would play at the back and then alters position and would score loads of goals. He would always rescue us. We always joked that he was ‘Mulogo’ because he was so good at both ends.
“We will miss him, but I think he made a good decision. It is good to retire when you’re still a hot cake. He’s done a lot for his country and Ugandans will always love him.”
At 31, Massa retires as the Cranes leading goal scorer in the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers with 13 goals.
“It has come so early. He is still young and still had a lot to offer. He would have waited at least till next year after the world cup, but what a career he’s had. We wish him all the best in his other endeavors,” said JMC’s defender Herbert Kakande.
For Ali Kiregeya, one of Massa’s right-hand men, and one of Walukuba’s talents that were never exposed, the timing is perfect and the decision is great.
“He told me about his decision two weeks ago, and I was happy he made the right decision. Amidst all challenges, he served his country with one dedicated heart. He retires a legend in his country.”
