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After 15 years with the Uganda Cranes, captain Emmanuel Okwi retires from international football, paving the way for young talent.
Emmanuel Okwi says he is thankful for the chance to play for Uganda after retiring from international football.
The veteran forward, who captained the national team in recent years, has officially announced his retirement, stating his desire to make way for the next generation of players.
Okwi confirmed his decision in a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting on his illustrious career and expressing gratitude to those who supported him along the way.
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His announcement comes at a time when Ugandan football is entering an exciting new phase, with East Africa set to host the CHAN tournament later this year and the AFCON in 2027.
"Representing my country on the international stage has been a fulfilling dream that came true. Donning the Uganda Cranes shirt always left a special feeling and captaining our team was an absolute privilege and honour," Okwi wrote in his retirement statement.
"An exciting new era for Ugandan football is coming up with East Africa hosting the CHAN later this August and subsequently the AFCON 2027 with many young footballers coming up. That is why, having cherished all those memories, I believe it is time for me to bow out and pave the way for our talented young football players," he added.
His career with the Cranes spanned over a decade, beginning in 2009 when he made his senior debut.
A prolific forward, Okwi was instrumental in Uganda's success in regional tournaments, finishing as the second top scorer at the 2010 CECAFA Cup with four goals. The following year, he was the joint top scorer of the 2011 CECAFA Cup, netting five goals alongside Rwanda's Meddie Kagere and Olivier Karekezi.
Okwi’s leadership was vital in Uganda’s journey on the continental stage, particularly during AFCON 2017 and 2019, where he played key roles in Uganda's performances. He became captain in the latter part of his international career and was a crucial figure both on and off the pitch.
"I will always hold close to my heart the love shown to me by all the fans and my special thanks go to my family, Coach Bobby Williamson who handed me a debut, all the successive coaches thereafter with whom we created memories together through thick and thin and of course the leadership at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA)," he said in his farewell message.
On the club level, Okwi had a well-traveled career, playing for SC Villa in Uganda before moving to Tanzanian giants Simba S.C.
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20:26 - 03.02.2025
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He later had stints in Tunisia with Étoile Sportive du Sahel, Denmark’s SønderjyskE Fodbold, and Egypt’s Al Ittihad.
Despite challenges such as contract disputes and unpaid wages, he remained a determined and reliable player, returning multiple times to Simba S.C. and SC Villa, where he enjoyed prolific goal-scoring spells.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Ugandan football, as he was one of the most recognizable and consistent players of his generation.
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