Seattle Sounders player number 42 is Middlefielder Micheal Azira. Azira is 5’10 and weighs 160 pounds. He is from Kampala, Uganda and was born on August 22, 1987. He signed on to play with the Sounders on March 6, 2014. During his first game for the team, Azira subbed for Kenny Cooper in the 66^th minute of the game against Montreal Impact on March 23 of that same year, less than a month after joining the team. In addition to middle field, he also plays a role on the team as a defender.

Prior to his role with the Sounders team, Azira played for several other organizations. During his youth career, he played for the Mobile Rams in the 2010-2011 season; before that, he was with the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders for the 2008-2009 season. During the same time he played with the Mobile Rams, Azira also played for Mississippi Brilla. Later, in the 2012-2013 season, he was with Charleston Battery.

Since 2014, he’s been a steady Sounders man, and has also played with the Ugandan National Team to play in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier. In addition to that honor, Azira holds several other international claims to fame, including a spot on the U-23 Uganda National Team for the Olympics and the U-20 Uganda National Team, making him a valuable player in multiple countries.

Sporting director Chris Henderson called Azira a very versatile defender when the Sounders signed him on in 2014. He went on to state that Azira is an apt outside back player and consistently makes his passes. Henderson told the press that Azira is able to position himself well for the defense during games and provides a gravitas on the field that serves as a calming effect for other players. The middlefielder started in three of six games for the preseason following his announcement.

While playing for the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders and the University of Mobile during his college days, Azira was awarded the NAIA All-American Honorable mention award for his consistent record.

Although Azira’s citizenship status is currently unknown, most people believe he has a green card that allows him to stay in the United States to be an MLS player. His parents are Joel and Erisa Nabusgo, and he has also served as both Head Coach and Assistant Coach at different soccer programs, including the Daniel Island Soccer Academy U-16 and U-18 teams and UMS-Wright Preparatory School. While coaching the latter institution, he earned the state title with his team.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia