- International Friebdly
- Saturday, 3rd June 2017
- Ethiopia vs. Uganda – Hawassa International Stadium
Uganda Cranes striker Emmanuel Arnold Okwi has praised retired national team captain, Geofrey Massa for the tremendous service rendered over the years.
In an exclusive interview with Kawowo Sports, the former Simba, Yanga and Sonderjeskey forward, who has recently run out of contract at SC Villa Jogoo, singled out the unique leadership skills and exemplary character of Massa.
I want to thank Geoffrey Massa for the wonderful service he rendered to the national team over the years.
Massa was a true leader, one loved by all and exemplary both on and off the field of play.
This weekend, the national team officially kick-starts life without Massa who resigned in April 2017 after close to 12 years of dedicated service in the famous national stripes.
To Okwi, Massa’s contribution is worth being emulated.
Surely, he set a precedent. Playing at the top level for such a long time is an incredible feat.
We all have to work hard and do a lot better to emulate him.
We shall always remember him
Uganda Cranes will take on Ethiopia on Saturday at the Hawassa international stadium and Okwi is among the five strikers lined up for the primary duty of scoring the much needed goals as the country eyes return to the AFCON in the year 2019.
The other strikers on the current squad are Proline’s Nelson Senkatuka, Onduparaka’s Muhammed Shaban, Milton Kariisa (Vipers) and Belgium based forward, Faruku Miya who was this season loaned to Royal Excel Mouscron from Standard Leige.
After the Ethiopia friendly, the national team will switch focus to yet another high profile friendly match against Senegal in Dakar.
All the friendlies are intended to fine tune the team ahead of the Group L opener against Cape Verde Islands away in Praia.
The other group match will see Tanzania battle Lesotho.
