Sekagya completes New York Switch

Jul 11, 2013

FORMER Uganda Cranes skipper Ibrahim Sekagya has joined MLS club New York Red Bull on a free transfer from sister club Red Bull Salzburg

By Fred Kaweesi

WHEN Ibrahim Sekagya was still plying his trade at Argentinian club Arsenal de Serandi, he was an admirer of former France international Thierry Henry.

The former Cranes captain had no idea that he would once team-up with a player still celebrated as Arsenal’s all-time top scorer with 228 goals in all competitions.

It had never crossed his mind that he would one day share a dressing room with not just a treble winner with the mighty Barcelona but a World and European Cup champion.

But on Thursday evening, Sekagya’s dream was realised after signing for New York Red Bulls, where Henry is such an integral figure.

Sekagya joins the Salzburg’s sister club on a free and his two and a half year contract reportedly places him among the club’s highest paid players.

Henry earns $4.35m (sh11.3b) a year, slightly higher than teammate Tim Cahill —the two highest paid players in the MLS.

He will complete the move after securing receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.

Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were also not released on a day the club’s sporting director Andy Roxburg could not hide the club’s excitement over the development.

“We are delighted to sign Ibrahim and we are sure his experience will strengthen our options in defense,” Roxburgh said in a written statement. 

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Sekagya signs his contract with Red Bull New York. Photo: Kickoff Nigeria

“He (Sekagya) was well respected and liked by our colleagues at Red Bull Salzburg and we are confident he can play a role in our team as we enter into the second half of our regular season.”

On Tuesday, the defender told New Vision Sport that the decision to join Salzburg was his to make. 

“I have had a wonderful time since joining the club for training last week and I have to decide now whether I should join them and become part of their plans,” he pointed.

“I was invited by Red Bulls in New York to check out the facilities at the club, train with them and decide if I might be interested in joining them. This had started six months ago.”

“I must say, I was impressed. They are a top professional side with top quality players,” Sekagya pointed.

His move also has a lot to do with his family but equally important, the precious relationship he has created in a few days with Henry.

“I have a family that needs to be happy as well. New York is a massive city as compared to Salzburg with a lot of activity and potential of growing my interests in the future.

“The club is one family. I met Henry and had a lengthy chat about football in New York. He is a nice guy and has such influence at the club. Henry originally thought I was from France and spoke to me in French because of my skin complexion but I corrected him and we have had several jokes since.”

At Salzburg, Sekagya won three titles, a League Cup, featured in 165 games and scored six goals.

More to follow

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