Azira Returns Home To Lead Brilla

Mississippi Brilla FC recently announced that former Uganda National Team player and seven year Major League Soccer veteran, Micheal Azira, will take over the team’s USL2 head coaching duties. Azira replaces Matt Horth, who recently accepted a new college coaching position that will prohibit his return to Mississippi this summer.

“Coach Matt was a tremendous addition to our staff last summer and put together a championship caliber team for this summer,” said General Manager Rusty Bryant. “It is unfortunate that he will not be able to lead the team this summer, but we wish him nothing but the best in this great opportunity for him and his family. Fortunately, we have Mike Azira ready to step into the role, and he is more than capable of leading us to make a run at the national championship this summer.”

Azira played for Mississippi Brilla FC in 2010-2011, scoring 5 goals in 28 appearances. Azira’s professional career included MLS stops in Seattle, Colorado, Montreal, and Chicago. He also started and ended his professional career in the USL Championship with the Charleston Battery and New Mexico United. His stellar playing career also includes 10 caps with the Uganda National Team.

Azira had been named first assistant for Brilla following his retirement from professional soccer in December. Upon his retirement, he was named head coach of Blue Mountain College, an up and coming NAIA program in Mississippi.

Azira also runs the Azira Micheal Youth Foundation in Uganda. The mission is to use soccer as a vehicle to give children in Uganda access to education, nutrition, and character development.

Mississippi Brilla FC will kick off its 16th year in USL2 with a road contest to Texas United on May 20. The team’s first home game is scheduled for May 27 at 7 PM at Clinton High School Arrow Field.