Massively experienced Ugandan central defender Murushid Juuko has turned down an opportunity to play for Zambian and African powerhouse Power Dynamos FC, The Nerve Africa has exclusively learned.
The Dynamos had sought the player’s services through his representatives, Papascout11, but Juuko declined the offer. Apparently, the free agent is preparing to retire from professional football to focus on personal business ventures outside the sport.
A source close to his family disclosed to The Nerve Africa that the 30-year-old, whose most recent involvement was with six-time Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC, plans to step away from football to focus on his new baking business and school.
“Murushid (Juuko) turned down a one-year contract from Power Dynamos last week. He told his agent that the deal wasn’t enticing enough to draw him away from his business. He is seriously considering retirement, as his attention is now firmly on his new investments in baking and the school,” the source said in an exclusive interview.
With Vipers, Juuko—widely regarded as one of Uganda’s greatest defenders—won both the Uganda Premier League title and the Uganda Cup in 2023. He also played a crucial role in helping the team reach their first-ever CAF Champions League group stages during the 2022/23 season.
Previously, the rock-solid center-half featured for Express Football Club, where he spent two seasons, winning the Uganda Premier League and the CECAFA Kagame Cup in the 2021 edition held in Tanzania. Juuko has also represented another Ugandan side, Victoria University, and Tanzanian giants Simba SC, where he spent five seasons and made 149 official appearances, underscoring his vast experience.
Additionally, he had a stint with Moroccan and continental heavyweights Wydad Athletic Club. On the international stage, Juuko, who made his Uganda Cranes (senior team) debut in 2014, earned 47 caps and scored four goals. He was a pivotal figure in Uganda’s most recent Africa Cup of Nations campaigns in 2017 and 2019, held in Gabon and Egypt, respectively.
