Ex Cranes Captain Ibrahim Sekagya elevated to New York Red Bulls Coach

The former captain of the Uganda Cranes Ibrahim Sekagya has been promoted to the role of headcoach for the New York Red Bulls.

Sekagya will be the coach of New York Red Bulls II for their first season in the MLS Next Pro.

*Sekagya at one of the New York Red Bulls II game*

This will make the former Red Bulls Salzburg defender the third head coach of the club in it’s history.

Sekagya had been the club’s assistant for about 8 seasons.

“Ibrahim [Sekagya] has played a crucial role in the development of Red Bulls II in addition to his success as a player with the main club,” Sporting Director Denis Hamlett said.

*Sekagya in training with one of the New York Red Bulls II player*

“We know he will continue his hard work and dedication to improve in every facet of the club.”

The ex KCCA player retired from professional football in 2015 at the New York Red Bulls.

He consequently took up a coaching role with the New York Red Bulls II in the inaugural season in the USL.

Last year around on 3 July 2022, Sekagya was named the interim head coach of the club.

Ibra Sekagya during his time as a New York Red Bulls player

And he took charge of the remaining 17 games.

The legendary ex Ugandan footballer has overseen 21 players sign MLS Pro contracts with New York Red Bulls senior team.

Some of his graduates such as Aaron Long and Tyler Adam’s were part of the US football team at the recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Red Bulls II has won 98 matches during his 8 seasons.

They have also qualified for the postseason five times, and won both the 2016 USL Cup and Regular Season Title.

“I am thrilled to continue my journey with the New York Red Bulls organization and lead New York Red Bulls II to success,” Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya said. “I cannot wait to get this season started and show all of the work that has been done this winter to put a well-balanced squad on the pitch.”

The player joined Red Bull Salzburg in 2007 after leaving Argentina’s Arsenal de Sarandi.

He helped Red Bull Salzburg win 3 league titles and an Austrian Cup during his 5 years there between 2008-2012.

“He joined the New York Red Bulls in July of 2013 and spent two seasons with the club. Sekagya was part of the 2013 Red Bulls team that clinched the club’s first-ever Supporters’ Shield.”