Prime
I miss Cranes - Sekagya
Thierry Henry (R) played alonside Uganda's Ibrahim Sekagya at New York Red Bulls. File photo
How did you react when you were told you were moving from Red Bull Salzburg to New York Red Bulls?
I felt great leaving one family club to the other. On the football side, it was a new challenge for me to leave Austria after nearly seven years (2007-2013). It also gave me an opportunity of playing in a different league and of playing with such great players like Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill.
Talking of the two players, how do you feel being with those players every day on the field and dressing room?
It is really wonderful. I don’t think that there is a player who does not want to play with such players. I am extremely happy being with Henry and Cahill every day. I did not have to think twice when Salzburg told me that New York had come in for me.
How different is the football in US compared to Argentina and Austria?
It is very difficult to compare football. Definitely each country has different style. But I will say that New York is a very ambitious club that want to win their first MLS title. I think it is the reason they are spending a lot of money on quality and star players. Apart from Henry and Cahill, they also signed Bradley Wright-Phillips (England) and Pascal Luyindula from France.
Which coach has the greatest influence on your career?
I have gone through a lot of good coaches in Uganda and during my professional career. They all have helped me in my career. Back home Jesus ‘Gayigge’ Mulinde (RIP) was my first coach at State House, he taught me the basics before Paul Hasule (RIP) took over at State House. Both coaches I would say gave me the foundation.
I cannot forget Mike Mutebi who handled me at KCC FC in 1997, the year we won the league title. Mutebi not only coached me football but told me if I want to succeed I need to be disciplined. In my professional career, Gustavo Alfaro coached me at Atletico Rafaela and Arsenal Sarandi, my first and last clubs in Argentina.
During my seven years in Europe with Salzburg, Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni, who spotted me while in Argentina was like a father to me in Salzburg before he left to manage national team of Ireland in 2008. During my years in Austria, the club has changed many coaches. After Trapattoni, Dutch coach Jacobus ‘Co’ Adriaanse took over (2008-09). He came from FC Porto, then Huub Stevens another Dutch followed him (2009-2011) before yet another Dutch Rocardo Moniz (2011-12). This one made me the club captain when we won the league and cup double. After his departure a German Roger Schmidt took over. So you can see am privileged to be handled with good coaches throughout my career so far.
You retired at a time when Cranes needed you. Was it frustration of failing to qualify for Afcon finals especially after Kenya draw (2011)?
My retirement from Cranes has nothing to do with the team’s failure to qualify for Africa Cup finals, but it was time to leave so that the next generation takes over. I’m one of those people who believe Uganda is blessed with good players and confident we shall be in the finals soon. During my era we have been very unfortunate that we went very close on a number of occasions.
What do you miss about Cranes since your retirement?
Of course I miss the Cranes atmosphere, that build up to the match especially if it was at home, fans storming Namboole to watch training. Those fans gave us a lot of respect. Even I miss coming home from my club during international week. Retiring from Cranes does not mean that I did not have good time with the team.
What would you consider your career high in Uganda football?
Plenty, first of all the 1999 Under-23 team which featured in the All Africa Games in South Africa. I still envy that team. It was the beginning of our progress to the Cranes for some of us. Scoring the goal that gave Cranes victory against Nigeria (2-1) at Namboole is another high. Being part of the Cranes team to record a victory away from home (Guinea Bissau 0-1 Uganda) after many years.
Your retirement along with David Obua and Nestroy Kizito left as big vacuum. How do you access the Cranes future?
The building process is under way, but we need to give the side a lot of time to gel. Our generation spent years together . The team need to play a lot friendly matches with superior teams. Friendly matches are vital because the national team is not like a club where the coach has players nearly every day. The national team coach only has five days with the players. The federation should also try to give the coach enough time to build his team.
Do you think administration wrangles have had an impact on the performance of the Cranes?
Wrangles in football whether in Fufa or clubs will always have an impact on the national team. Football is for all of us. No one should have a monopoly. That is why it is a team game. It is sad to hear that we have two leagues . The national team must have a strong local squad. The locals have to be the foundation for the national team, At the moment it is difficult for the coach to chose his best players because of the situation.
You are still active in football but when you decide to retire would you remain in football or look elsewhere?
I really don’t know because since my early years, football has been part of me. It is football that has brought me here, it has made me what I am today. I don’t think I can walk away from football but I don’t know which role I will play next.
You have talked much about Argentina. Do you have any hope of returning to that country and end your career there?
If an opportunity comes I will go back to Argentina . In football you never know where you end up. Let us wait and see.
Which food do you like most, Argentina, Austria or US?
Food is basically the same everywhere I have been but the difference is in cooking. But of course I prefer home food that is why I carry my local food like Posho (white flour). I also try to buy matooke, potatoes and cassava here.
How many languages do you speak?
The beauty in travelling is you get opportunities of learning different languages. Am comfortable in Spanish, German, English and of course Luganda. You have seen here in at the club we are in America but many conversations are in Spanish. Players and coaching staff most of the times use Spanish.
Why do you think other Uganda players have not made the grade in professional football in the last 15 years?
There are so many factors but the most important is discipline . You can have all the talent but if you don’t have self discipline on and off the pitch, then you fall short. Discipline has been key factor in my career.
You need to be confident, work hard, adjust to different conditions and of course enjoy what you are doing. I think those are the key areas which most of our players have not addressed.
