When it comes to Red Bulls II, there is no one that has been as influential as Ibrahim Sekagya. Sekagya has been involved with the club since it was launched on March 2, 2015 when he was named an assistant coach. The former New York Red Bulls defender was named Interim Head Coach of the Red Bulls II on July 3, 2022, and was later appointed to permanent Head Coach on February 6, 2023.
The Kampala, Uganda native was on the coaching staff in of the 2016 USL Championship winning side. As Head Coach, Sekagya has managed 73 matches, and earned the club’s first winning season since 2019 in 2023 as well as earn the club’s first playoff appearance and win in MLS NEXT Pro.
As a player, Sekagya joined Red Bull Salzburg in 2007 after playing for Kampala Capital City Authority FC in Uganda and AMSD Atletico de Rafaela, Club Ferro Carril Oeste, and Arsenal Sarandi in Argentina. During his time in Salzburg, he won three Austrian Football Bundesliga titles and was a part of the team that won the 2012 Austrian Cup. He joined New York Red Bulls in July 2013 and spend two seasons with the club, including being a part of the 2013 Supporters’ Shield winning side.
We had the opportunity to sit down with him and reflect on the first 10 years of Red Bulls II:
What Does Red Bulls II Mean to You?
“Red Bulls II feels like my second family away from home. Coaching and developing young talents is an incredibly rewarding experience. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact on the young promising talent, by helping them grow, and watch them achieve their goals. As a coach, you get to see the transformation firsthand.
The Red Bulls II experience has let me help young promising talent discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop a growth mindset. It's with great honor to be a part of their journey, offering guidance, support, and encouragement along the way. As they progress, improve performance, and enhanced overall well-being.
Being a part of the Red Bulls II family has also allowed me to reflect my own experiences in all aspects. The relationship I have created with the different young talents I have come across has always been fulfilling, as I celebrate their successes and help them navigate challenges. Although, there has been some challenges in my journey, I feel rewarded for contributing to the growth and development of the next promising talents.”
What Is Your Favorite Moment With Red Bulls II?
“One of my favorite moments with Red Bulls II was when we won the USL Championship 2016 and the Supporters Shield 2016 with John Wolyniec as my head of technical staff.
We were filled with pride, the players, fans and the entire technical crew. It was an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. Indeed, it was a moment of pure joy and validation, knowing that all victory belonged to Red Bulls II. This marked a significant achievement in the club history.”
How Did You Feel When You Were Appointed Head Coach In 2023?
“Being hired as the head coach of Red Bulls II in 2023 was a truly rewarding and motivating experience. I felt it was my chance to implement my strategies and ideas. My new role as a head coach made me feel recognized for my hard work and dedication on the coaching field. It was also exciting to see myself make great decisions on my own selected squad.
I also felt appreciated, and trusted. This greatly boosted my confidence, towards whatever encounter and towards my team players. To me, this was a great accomplishment, it gave me pride knowing that my skills and experience had earned me a promotion. However, it came to my notice that my promotion had come with additional responsibilities, pressure, and expectations. But as a coach I must stay focused and committed to the team's goals and success.”
What Did It Mean To Bring The Club’s First Playoff Win In MLS NEXT Pro?
“As a head coach, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in MLS NEXT Pro meant a lot to me. I clearly demonstrated that my team had successfully met the standards in MLS Next Pro for the very first time. This achievement was a significant milestone to me, my crew and the entire team.
It was huge accomplishment, that displayed our hard work, dedication, and teamwork.
Our qualification to the playoffs, also brought new opportunities, to the young promising players gaining exposure, that gave them a gate pass to our MLS first team side. This further motivated me and the team to continue improving and striving for excellence.”
What Are You Looking Forward To Ahead Of The 2025 Season?
“As a coach, I’m excited for the 2025 season. I’m looking forward to seeing my players grow improve and advance to the first team. I’m excited to work with the new incoming promising young talent as well, as my returning young promising players. Their experience in the team is exactly what we need to take our team to the next level.
Of course, every season brings new challenges and opportunities. I’m eager to see how our team comes together, how we adapt to new situations, and how we overcome obstacles. It’s going to be an incredible journey.”
