Former Uganda Cranes captain Ibrahim Sekagya has been promoted to the position of First Team Assistant Coach at Major League Soccer (MLS) side New York Red Bulls, marking a major milestone in his coaching career.

The announcement was made by the club on Tuesday, June 10, in recognition of Sekagya’s impressive track record in player development and leadership of the club’s reserve side, New York Red Bulls II (NYRB II).

Sekagya, 44, has been serving as head coach of NYRB II since February 2023, having previously held the role of assistant coach since the team’s establishment in 2015.

His tenure saw steady progression, culminating in a commanding start to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season, where the reserve team currently tops the Eastern Conference with an 8-2-2 record and a league-high 27 goals scored.

“He has led the development of many great players at NYRB II and has earned this opportunity. We are pleased to add Ibra to our first team coaching staff on a full-time basis,” said Jochen Schneider, Head of Sport at the club.

Sekagya is set to take up his new post following NYRB II’s upcoming match against Chattanooga FC on June 15, which will be his final game in charge of the reserve side. The club has indicated that a new head coach will be announced thereafter.

Born and raised in Kampala, Sekagya enjoyed a storied playing career that included 225 appearances for Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg between 2007 and 2013, before moving to New York Red Bulls, where he played 41 matches and helped the team secure the 2013 Supporters’ Shield.

His promotion to the first team coaching staff comes as long-serving assistant coach Vedad Ibisevic departs the club. Sekagya will now work under head coach Sandro Schwarz as the Red Bulls aim to strengthen their position in the ongoing MLS season.

The news of Sekagya’s promotion has been met with excitement in Uganda, where the former defender is widely regarded as a trailblazer for African coaches abroad.

His journey from captaining the national team to coaching at the top tier of American football is seen as a beacon of hope for aspiring football professionals back home.

“Sekagya’s rise is not just a personal achievement, it is a proud moment for Uganda and African football,” said a local football analyst.

Sekagya joins the small but growing list of African coaches making their mark in elite football environments around the world.