Rodolfo Zapata
Argentine coach
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rodolfo Zapata (born 1 May 1966) is an Argentine-American professional football manager. He holds Argentine Football Association and CONMEBOL PRO coaching licenses.
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Rodolfo Zapata | ||
| Date of birth | 1 May 1966 | ||
| Place of birth | Buenos Aires, Argentina | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Thimphu City (head coach) | ||
| Managerial career | |||
| Years | Team | ||
| 2010 | Sunshine Stars | ||
| 2011–2012 | MP Black Aces | ||
| 2016–2017 | Gaborone United | ||
| 2018 | AFC Leopards | ||
| 2019 | Township Rollers | ||
| 2021 | Mukura Victory Sports | ||
| 2022–2023 | Fiji U20 | ||
| 2024–2025 | Montego Bay United | ||
| 2026– | Thimphu City[1] | ||
Playing career
Zapata began his playing career as a goalkeeper in the Argentinian 2nd division. He played for Huracán, Sportivo Italiano, Racing de Olavarría, Club Atlético San Miguel and Cipolletti de Rio Negro. His career ended prematurely due to a knee injury, after which he transitioned to coaching.[2]
Managerial career
Canada
In 2000, Zapata taught seminars for coaches and players development in the cities of Calgary and Edmonton that were promoted by Alberta Soccer Association. He also planned and coordinated activities of coaching staff.[3]
United States
In 2001, he was head coach of United Nations International School in New York City.[4]
Also in New York and New Jersey, he was head coach of USA Olympic Development Program (2001–2009), national process for identifying and developing youth football players to represent the United States in international competitions.[5][6]
In September 2012, Zapata returned to the United States as head coach of United States Youth Soccer Association and New Jersey Youth Soccer Association. His role was the identification and recruitment of young players.[7]
Sunshine Stars FC (Nigeria)
In January 2010, he was based in Akure as head coach of Nigeria Professional Football League side Sunshine Stars FC.[8][9][10]
MP Black Aces (South Africa)
In 2011–2012 season, Rodolfo was appointed as head coach of MP Black Aces FC in South Africa.[11][12]
Gaborone United (Botswana)
From 2016–2018, Zapata was head coach of Gaborone United in the Botswana Premier League. The club suffered financial and internal politics troubles during his time. He contributed to the progress of fifteen U23 players into the first team, while avoiding relegation.[13][14]
AFC Leopards (Kenya)
In May 2018, AFC Leopards announced Rodolfo Zapata as their new head coach for the remainder of the Kenyan Premier League season.[15][16]
Township Rollers FC (Botswana)
In 2019, he was appointed as the new head coach of Township Rollers FC in Botswana.[17]
Rodolfo Zapata won the 2018–2019 edition of the Botswana Premier League with his club. As a result, Township Rollers qualified for the 2019–2020 Africa Champions League.[18][19] As head coach of Township Rollers FC, Zapata oversaw a possession-based and attacking style of play.[20][21]
Mukura Victory Sports (Rwanda)
In March 2021, Rodolfo joined Mukura Victory Sports in Rwanda Premier League.[22] [23]
Fiji
After his experience in Rwanda, Zapata signed as head coach of Fiji team for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[24][25][26][27]
Montego Bay United (Jamaica)
Rodolfo Zapata joined Montego Bay United for 2024–25.[28][29][30][31][32]