URN.“On Saturday am playing the last game of my career. We shall be playing the Vipers in the league at Kitende and that will be my last competitive game. After I will play two testimonial games, one in September at KCCA ground in Lugogo, and the second one will be in Masaka where my journey started,” Mawejje told URN in a phone interview.
Uganda Cranes midfielder, Tonny Mawejje will play his last competitive football game when his side Police FC take on Vipers SC in the final game of the Uganda Premier League 2021/22. “On Saturday am playing the last game of my career. We shall be playing the Vipers in the league at Kitende and that will be my last competitive game. After I will play two testimonial games, one in September at KCCA ground in Lugogo, and the second one will be in Masaka where my journey started,” Mawejje told URN in a phone interview.
Mawejje has decided to quit after playing for the national football team for 15 years. He joins other former Uganda Cranes players such as Andy Mwesigwa, Geoffrey Wasswa, and Hassan Wasswa among others who also quit competitive football.
Mawejje was part of the historical squad that played in the 2017 African Cup of Nations where Uganda was returning after almost four decades. Although the player spent some time without being called back to the national team after the 2017 AFCON, he was later recalled by Jonathan McKinstry in the provisional squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers on November 12th November and 17th, 2020.
He however didn’t make it to the final squad. The midfielder later took part in the 2021 African Nations championship. During his stay on the national team, Mawejje completed 83 caps where he scored eight goals, making him one of the most capped national team players. Mawejje started his football career at Masaka Local Council Football Club in 2003 before playing for the Uganda Premier League heavyweights including Police FC, KCCA FC and later URA FC.
The 35-years old later embarked on an international career and has since played for several international clubs including IBV Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland, Haugesund in Norway, KF Tirana in Albania, and Al Arabi SC, among other clubs.
After accomplishing his international career, Mawejje returned to the Uganda Police FC where he signed a two-year contract. Unfortunately, he retires after his club has been relegated to FUFA Big league.
Although Mawejje desired to be a Football intermediary after his retirement, he says he changed his mind to concentrate on a coaching career. He says he will start an academy as soon as he retires to share his football knowledge with the new talent.
Abdallah Mubiru, the former Police FC and Uganda Cranes coach has hailed Mawejje for his calmness and composure, which he believes has helped him succeed in his career. Mubiru was Mawejje’s coach at KCCA FC, Police FC, and the Uganda Cranes.
“I am happy that I have seen Mawejje from his young age tracing back to school competitions. He has been determined and humble, which is the biggest talent a player can have, all players must be humble and disciplined, and Mawejje had both which helped him play in international clubs,” Mubiru said.
Adding that “Those still playing might be even more talented than him, but they must learn from his character if they are to succeed in their careers just like he did”.
Muwadda Mawejje, Police FC attacking midfielder said the outgoing player possessed great skills on and off the pitch. “We shall miss him on and off the pitch. We have learned so many things from him and during games, he has been giving us hope due to his experience,” he said.
Adding that ”As a player, Mawejje has been a top midfielder who possessed great skills and a leader who would correct everyone on the pitch in case you do a mistake. As his teammate, I will miss him.”
