Chicago count on Azira to Fire them to MLS play-offs
The Conductor. Azira’s ability to thread jaw-dropping passes and to halt opposition’s play are not in doubt. The Ugandan is set to make an impact at his new Chicago Fire base.
PHOTO by EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
Soccer. The former Montreal Impact midfielder also holds a U.S. Green Card, which means he will not occupy a foreign spot on his new club Chicago Fire’s roster
Mike Azira joins a list of several Ugandans that have moved clubs since the Cranes last 16 performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, although it could be argued whether Afcon played a big role in the midfielder’s transfer to Chicago Fire from Montreal Impact this week.
While the likes of Emmanuel Okwi, Khalid Aucho, Abdu Lumala – all with new addresses in Egypt, and Timothy Awany (Israel) among others’ moves could strongly be linked to their performances in Egypt, the Major League Soccer (MLS) was well aware of Azira’s industry the midfielder having played there for six seasons now.
Highly rated
The Ugandan international, inescapably one of the most impressive performers for the Cranes in Egypt, has been traded with Jorge Corrales, with the Chicago Fire defender crossing to Montreal Impact and vice versa.
Azira, 31, is now under contract with the Fire through the 2019 season with the option of staying on for the 2020 campaign.
The Ugandan is so valued by his new suitors they see him as an important cog in the push for MLS playoffs.
“While it is difficult to part with Jorge,” said Chicago Fire president and general manager Nelson Rodriguez in a team statement, “who has defended the club’s honor with all his might, acquiring Micheal provides us with more balance and options as we make our push for the playoffs.”
The MLS regular season began on March 2, 2019, and will end on October 6, with the playoffs starting on October 19.
Huge experience
In his six seasons in the MLS, Azira has put in 120 league appearances (97 starts) with Seattle Sounders, Colorado Rapids and Montreal Impact.
He has also made eight appearances in the MLS Cup Playoffs, starting in three of those.
At the international level, Azira has earned 10 caps (eight starts) for the Uganda Cranes, including six appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations (2017, 2019).
The Ugandan holds a U.S. Green Card and will not occupy an international spot on the Fire’s roster.
Note. Pick yourself a copy of the Sunday Monitor and read an in-depth interview with Azira, where he talks about his Cranes career, Afcon experiences and relationship with Ugandan coaches among others.
