By DAN KARELL
Since losing Heath Pearce to season-ending hip surgery, the New York Red Bulls have been shopping for another experienced defender to provide squad depth and spot starting ability.
As of Thursday, the search is over.
The Red Bulls announced that Ugandan defender Ibrahim Sekagya has signed a contract with the club on a free transfer from sister club Red Bull Salzburg. Per club policy, terms and conditions of the contract were not disclosed but reports state that the contract is two-and-a-half seasons long and makes Sekagya one of the top wage earners on the team.
Sekagya had been trailing with the Red Bulls since late June and upon the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa, he will be available for selection.
Sekagya, 32, is a former captain of the Uganda National Team, representing his country in World Cup qualifiers and the African Cup of Nations before retiring from international play in 2012.
Previously Sekagya spent six seasons at Red Bull Salzburg, playing in 165 matches and winning the Austrian championship on three occasions. Prior to Salzburg, the Ugandan played his soccer in Argentina at Arsenal de Sarandi, Ferro Carril Oeste, and Atletico Rafaela.
The newest Red Bull becomes the sixth Ugandan to play in Major League Soccer, a list that includes former Metrostar Tenywa Bonseu and former D.C. United forward Robert Ssejjemba.
What do you think of this news? Do you see the Red Bulls continuing to search for defenders?
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