Geoffrey Massa wanted to lead The Cranes at least through the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, and be the first captain to do that.
But lack of club football, since South African club Baroka United released him from his contract after the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), saw Massa announce his retirement from The Cranes on Wednesday, leaving many debating his legacy, reports JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE.
Striker Geoffrey Massa’s Cranes debut back in 2005 was never filled with fanfare. He did not arrive on the scene as that huge talent on the lips of everyone, scoring goals for fun. Equally, his retirement has been anticlimactic. As much as it was expected one way or another, as is ‘death’, it still caught many by surprise.
However, as Massa fades away from The Cranes scene after 12 years, he leaves some incredible memories as he does low lights, for many to reminisce about.
The question will always be on whether he has left a legacy to match his longevity as a Cranes international. It is difficult to forget his first brace in front of the Uganda Cranes fans at Namboole stadium in a 3-0 win over Lesotho on September 3, 2006. This 2008 Afcon qualifier was Lawrence Mulindwa’s first as Fufa president.
And since Mulindwa had set his target on qualification for Afcon before the end of his first term, one of Massa’s goals, the second one particularly, an incredible volley off a headed pass by Hassan Mubiru, appeared to be a seal of confirmation that Massa was not merely going to be a ‘massive arrival’.
Rather, he would lead a fairytale for one of the biggest dreams Mulindwa had.
However, qualification only came eleven years later. Former Cranes international Timothy Batabaire, who saw Massa arrive, and also played with him said: “I think Massa will always be remembered for being the captain of the generation, that got Uganda to the Afcon for the first time since 1978. That is his legacy.”
Former Cranes coach Mike Mutebi did not differ much with Batabaire on Massa’s legacy. Mutebi added that despite all the criticism levelled at Massa, coupled with the technical shortfalls he may have had as a player, he showed greater consistency amongst most Cranes players in recent times.
AMONG THE BEST
Massa’s peers like Emmanuel Okwi, Hamis Kiiza, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Ceaser Okhuti, Robert Ssentongo and Brian Umony have largely been in his shadow because he scored more than they could. In 86 caps, Massa scored 29 goals.
But whether that puts Massa amongst Uganda’s best strikers in history, is another matter. Police FC coach and Cranes international Abdallah Mubiru said, “I do not think we can remember Massa as a top goalscorer or footballer. That is preserved for a selected few like Majid Musisi and Jackson Mayanja. But I will remember him for being a good captain, that united his team-mates.”
That fits in well with the fact that Massa was good natured. He loved his colleagues and had no airs because he was a professional footballer, something so evident amongst the young Cranes players, that recently turned pro. Massa was always grounded and willing to give interviews with a smile.
NET-BUSTER
What Massa may have lacked in flair, he made up for in his sheer grit, speed and determination. When former international David Obua was asked what legacy he thought Massa had left, he did not have anything to say.
Massa completed his Cranes career without scoring an away international goal. But coach Mubiru said he could never forget Massa’s blockbuster of a shot, that tore open the Congo- Brazzaville net, to give Uganda a 4-0 win in a 2013 Afcon qualifier, played in June 2012 at Namboole. That was his legacy!
jovi@observer.ug