In yet another exclusive interview, former Uganda Cranes captain – Ibrahim Sekagya tells Kawowo Sport’s Ismael Kiyonga all about his experiences winning his first double with Austrian league giants Red Bulls Salzburg. The Inspirational captain was however keen to remind everyone about the capabilities of the current Uganda Cranes squad that face Angola, Senegal and Congo Brazzaville in crucial AFCON and World Cup Qualifers. Below is the full interview:
Hello Ibrahim Sekagya, Congratulations upon winning your first double at Red Bull Salzburg
Thank you…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How does it feel being part of the club’s history, the first double in the history of the club?
Great and as a captain of the group all i can say is GOD is WONDERFUL!
Is this also your first double as a player ever since you started playing football?
Yes it is.
Is this your best season ever in the Austrian Bundesliga?
I could say yes because after my return to the game with the Team after my hardships, as a team we didn’t look back again we just looked forward and Didn’t loose any game again which was incredible, this makes it the best season.
What was the secret behind this fabulous season?
My family support, hard work, teamwork and of course accompanied by LUCK i could say.
As a club, you have participated in the European champions’ league in the last few seasons but have never reached the group stages of the competition. Should we expect an improvement in the record come 2012/2013 season?
Hopefully YES!!!!! “Miracles come when you Believe!” that’s one of my favorite quotes, And am quite Optimistic we shall, I trust my Boys (RBS).
Back home, sections of Ugandans are crying over your retirement and others have requested that youreverse your retirement decision and be part of the Cranes in the crucial up coming fixtures in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers at least for the three up coming games against Angola, Senegal and Congo Brazzaville. What is your take?
Am really proud of this love the fans have always shown me and i really don’t know how i can pay them back! But i would love to request my dear fans to please accept my Request of allowing those young upcoming talents to also get the opportunity to come up and expose their talents, in these games one or two am quite sure they will get the strength and more experience to play! May be what my dear fans have to know is that the game is played as a team, with this am quite sure of the team we have, have been with most of them which really makes me have TRUST in them, And anyway who knows may be after the Boys’ world cup qualification and AFCON i will be available to join the Boys Again to boost them more.
With out you, Obua David and Nestroy Kizito on the team. What should Ugandans expect from the three fixtures?
My Fellow Ugandans should strongly have faith in the Boys (Cranes). I Have been with them and i think they can bring positive Results.
In the past few months, we have had players like Mutumba Kayongo Martin, Fabian Derrick Kizito and recently Brian Massa come out and show desire to play for Uganda. What is your opinion on this?
Have heard about them though have not had the chance see them play but i feel happy that we at least have those upcoming young talents that have love for the Ugandan football and love for the Country.
How do the Senegal you played against in early 2000s and the one of today compare in terms of strength and quality?
The Senegal of 2000 was super Hot but well Even this one is not a joke but as i said I have Faith in the Boys, Nothing is Impossible who new Zambia would win Ivory Coast to be the AFCON champions 2012.
Ever since you retired, the biggest quagmire in the national set up has been that person that can ably and comfortably partner Andy Mwesigwa at the heart of defence. Who do you think should be the right partner for the new skipper?
I think that it is the Coach’s Decision but all i see is that all the available Players are supper hot and they have the skills to partner with the Skipper.
With the season ended in Austria, should the nation expect you in the country to cheer the national team come June?
Apparently am off for holiday to rest as have been under too much pressure for my team under my captainship to take the dual championship and i have a short break. So i can’t confirm my presence yet, but yes i am boosting them where i am and i am fully in touch with most of them to give them courage.
To your fans and nation at large, what is your last word?
My last word to my Nation is to THANK THEM for the endless Support where ever i am and May be to tell them to STRONGLY have Faith in the Current CRANES squad as i do.
Lastly thanks to speaking to Kawowo Sports, Uganda’s first and only local sports website in the country,
Thank you too for hosting me, “I like the name it brings me back those memories of ’97” God bless YOU!
