Rodolfo Zapata

{{about||the Argentine singer and musician|Rodolfo Zapata (singer)}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Rodolfo Zapata

| image = Rodolfo_Zapata_Head_Coach_AFC_Leopards_(Kenya).jpg

| image_size =

| fullname = Rodolfo Zapata

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1966|5|1}}

| birth_place = Buenos Aires, Argentina

| manageryears11 = 2024-2025|managerclubs11 = Montego Bay United

| manageryears10 = 2022-2023|managerclubs10 = Fiji National Team

| manageryears9 = 2021 |managerclubs9 = Mukura Victory Sports

| manageryears8 = 2019 |managerclubs8 = Township Rollers

| manageryears7 = 2018 |managerclubs7 = AFC Leopards

| manageryears6 = 2016–2017 |managerclubs6 = Gaborone United

| manageryears5 = 2012–2015 |managerclubs5 = USA Youth Soccer Association

| manageryears4 = 2011–2012 |managerclubs4 = MP Black Aces FC

| manageryears3 = 2010 |managerclubs3 = Sunshine Stars FC

| manageryears2 = 2001–2009 |managerclubs2 = US Olympic Development Program

| manageryears1 = 2000 |managerclubs1 = Alberta Soccer Association

}}

Rodolfo Zapata (born 1 May 1966) is an Argentine Football Association and CONMEBOL PRO license coach. He is a dual citizen of Argentina and the US.

Rodolfo "Rolo" Zapata has a good track record as a coach in United States, Canada, Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Fiji and Jamaica.

Playing Career

Rodolfo Zapata started out as a player in the Argentinian 2nd division. He played as goalkeeper in Huracán, Sportivo Italiano, Racing de Olavarría, Club Atlético San Miguel and Cipolletti de Rio Negro. He suffered a knee injury that would end his career as a player, and then began his coaching career.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Rodolfo-Zapata-appointed-coach-of-Fiji-U20-xr54f8/|title=Rodolfo Zapata appointed coach of Fiji U20 - Fiji Village}}

Coaching 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 planned and coordinated activities of coaching staff. He also provided recommendations that balance the needs of both recreational and competitive program design.{{Cite web|url=https://www.modernghana.com/sports/318347/rodolfo-zapata-candidate-to-coach-in-ghana.html|title=Rodolfo Zapata candidate to coach in Ghana - Modern Ghana|date=20 August 2011}}

=United States=

In 2001–2002, he was Head Coach of United Nations International School in New York City.{{Cite web|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/628824-el-dt-argentino-de-la-onu|title=El DT argentino de la ONU - Modern Ghana|date=28 February 2004}}

Also in New York and New Jersey, he was Head Coach of USA Olympic Development Program (2001-2009). This is a national process for identifying and developing the best youth football players, which represent the United States in international competitions, such as the World Cup and the Olympics.{{Cite web|url=https://90soccer.com/nigeria-national-team-argentine-coach-is-a-new-nff-candidate/|title=Nigeria National Team: Argentine Coach is a new NFF candidate –|date=September 7, 2010}}{{Cite web|url=http://90soccer.com/specials/interview-with-rodolfo-zapata/|title=Interview with Rodolfo Zapata –|date=15 December 2010}}

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 to concentrate on the identification and recruitment of the best young players. Many of them have gone on to represent the USA Youth National Teams in various age categories.{{Cite web|url=http://www.completesports.com/rodolfo-zapata-i-expected-more-from-usa-african-teams/|title=Rodolfo Zapata: "I Expected More From USA, African Teams"|date=July 16, 2014}}

=Sunshine Stars FC (Nigeria)=

In January 2010, he was based in Akure City, where he was Head Coach of Nigeria Professional Football League side Sunshine Stars FC.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ole.com.ar/-/historias-minimas_0_Syqxs5fxjhl.html|title=Van a dar ventajas|website=www.ole.com.ar|date=28 May 2010}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHSrlQJ6aOM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/SHSrlQJ6aOM |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=Sunshine Stars FC (Nigeria)|via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.modernghana.com/sports/294849/2/nigeria-national-team-argentina-coach-is-a-new-nff.html|title=Nigeria National Team: Argentina Coach is a new candidate|website=www.modernghana.com|date=5 September 2010}}

=MP Black Aces (South Africa)=

In 2011–2012 season, Rodolfo was appointed to be Head Coach of MP Black Aces FC in South Africa.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kickoff.com/news/articles/south-africa-news/categories/news/news/zapata-takes-over-from-rosslee-at-mpumalanga-black-aces/535083|title=Zapata takes over from Rosslee at Mpumalanga Black Aces|website=KickOff|date=7 December 2011}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsghana.com.gh/rolo-zapata-resigns-as-black-aces-coach/|title=Rolo Zapata resigns as Black Aces coach - News Ghana|date=4 April 2012}}

=Gaborone United (Botswana)=

In 2016–2018, Zapata was Head Coach of Gaborone United in the Botswana Premier League.

Gaborone United was a young team looking to establish its own identity. This identity will be built on Rodolfo Zapata's attacking style.

His job has not been easy because of the club's financial and internal politics troubles. He contributed to the progress of fifteen U23 players into the first team, while ensuring survival without on a minimal budget.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thepatriot.co.bw/sport/item/1986-will-zapata-save-gu.html/|title=Will Zapata save GU? - The Patriot on Sunday|first=Othusitse|last=Tlhobogang|website=www.thepatriot.co.bw}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.modernghana.com/sports/818296/botswana-soccer-why-argentina-usa-coach-rodolfo-zapata-pref.html/|title=Botswana Soccer: Why Argentina-USA Coach Rodolfo Zapata Prefer Youthful Players? - Modern Ghana|website=www.modernghana.com}}

=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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97-OgO7XOSc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/97-OgO7XOSc |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=AFC Leopards preps with new coach Rodolfo Zapata|via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web|url=https://citizentv.co.ke/sports/leopards-turn-to-argentinian-magic-appoint-zapata-as-new-head-coach-197288/|title=Leopards turn to Argentinian magic, appoint Zapata as new head coach|website=Citizentv.co.ke}}

=Township Rollers FC (Botswana)=

In 2019, he was appointed as the new head coach of Township Rollers FC in Botswana.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/TownshipRollersFC/posts/10161339088646337|title=Township Rollers FC|website=www.facebook.com}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iamnoticias.com.ar/2019/05/07/rodolfo-zapata-titulo-en-botswana/|title=Rodolfo Zapata, el DT argentino campeón en Botswana|first=Guillermo|last=Tagliaferri|date=May 8, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=80086&dir=2019/march/18|title=The Monitor: We Have To Win Every Match|website=www.mmegi.bw}}

As Head Coach of Township Rollers FC, Zapata has overseen a possession-based and attacking style of play. He has most consistently favored a 4-1-4-1 formation, but there have also been occasions when both a 4-3-2-1 and 4-3-3 have been used. Notably, represent subtle positional changes from Rollers' 4-1-4-1 tactic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tiempoar.com.ar/nota/rodolfo-zapata-los-africanos-tienen-la-misma-pasion-por-el-futbol-que-nosotros|title=Hay muchos mediocampistas ofensivos. Por eso el sistema que uso es el 4-1-4-1 con cuatro números 10 con llegada y talentosos|website=www.tiempoar.com.ar}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/TownshipRollersFC/photos/a.10152188197136337/10162269630811337/?type=3&theater|title=Township Rollers vs Mochudi Centre Chiefs Formation: 4-1-4-1|website=www.facebook.com}}

=Mukura Victory Sports (Rwanda)=

In March 2021, Zapata joined Mukura Victory Sports in the Rwanda Premier League.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kigalitoday.com/imikino-11/football/article/umunya-argentine-zapata-yagizwe-umutoza-wa-mukura-vs|title=Umunya-Argentine Zapata yagizwe umutoza wa Mukura VS|website=www.kigalitoday.com}}

{{Cite web|url=https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/185007/Sports/the-tasks-that-await-mukura-head-coach-rodolfo-zapata|title=The tasks that await Mukura head coach Rodolfo Zapata|website=www.newtimes.co.rw}}

===Fiji National Team (Fiji)===

After his experience in Rwanda, Zapata signed as Head Coach of Fiji U20 National Team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/sports/football/rodolfo-zapata-is-fiji-football-u20-coach/|title=Rodolfo Zapata is Fiji Football U20 coach|website=www.fbcnews.com.fj}}{{Cite web|url=https://oceaniafootballcenter.org/2023/01/11/fiji-football-u-20-signed-with-argentinian-coach-rodolfo-zapata/|title=Fiji Football U-20 signed with Argentinian coach Rodolfo Zapata|website=oceaniafootballcenter.org}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bolasport.com/read/313697816/usai-dicukur-timnas-u-20-indonesia-pelatih-fiji-tetap-yakin-anak-asuhnya-bakal-bangkit-di-piala-dunia-u-20-2023|title=Usai Dicukur Timnas U-20 Indonesia, Pelatih Fiji Tetap Yakin Anak Asuhnya Bakal Bangkit di Piala Dunia U-20 2023|website= www.bolasport.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2023/01/14/rodolfo-zapata-has-faith-in-fiji-football/|title=Rodolfo Zapata Has Faith In Fiji Football|website=www.fijisun.com.fj}}

=Montego Bay United (Jamaica)=

Rodolfo Zapata joined Montego Bay United for the 2024-2025 season, and his team played the famous tiki-taka football.{{Cite web|url=https://montegobayunitedfc.com/montego-bay-united-fc-welcomes-new-coach-rodolfo-zapata-for-the-2024-25-season|title=Montego Bay United FC Welcomes New Coach, Rodolfo Zapata, for the 2024-25 Season|website=www.montegobayunitedfc.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20240710/montego-bay-united-seek-fast-start-new-argentine-coach|title=Montego Bay United seek fast start with new Argentine coach|website=www.jamaica-gleaner.com}}

His coaching style was applauded by all of the footballing supporters in the Jamaica Premier League. He favors a shifting formation, that at its core can be described as a 3-4-3. In attack, the outside middlefielders push up to play like wing-forwards.{{Cite web|url=https://jamaica-star.com/article/sports/20250131/mobay-united’s-zapata-happy-playoff-performance|title=MoBay United’s Zapata happy with playoff-like performance|website=www.jamaica-star.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20240724/zapata-believes-building-homegrown-core-reggae-boyz|title=Zapata believes in building homegrown core for Reggae Boyz|website=www.jamaica-gleaner.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://jamaica-star.com/article/sports/20250224/zapata-jamaicans-‘must-awaken-hunger-success’-argentinian-says-50-cent|title=Zapata: Jamaicans ‘must awaken hunger for success’ - Argentinian says 50 per cent Reggae Boyz should include players from JPL|website=www.jamaica-star.com}}

References

External links

[https://www.instagram.com/rolozapata Official website]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7493ZQTDLyM All you need to know about Rodolfo Zapata in 90 seconds]
[http://www.elgrafico.com.ar/2012/04/19/C-4175-salida-laboral.php Salida laboral ¿Qué pasa, por ejemplo, cuando no conseguís trabajo en tu país?]
[http://www.elgrafico.com.ar/2016/12/29/C-18104-zapata-el-argentino-que-triunfa-en-botswana.php Zapata, el argentino que triunfa en Botswana]
[https://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/rodolfo-zapata-afc-leopards-is-destined-for-a-better-future/17avc4js3a86y14l8de3iw41ew AFC Leopards is destined for a better future]
[https://90soccer.com/nigeria-national-team-argentine-coach-is-a-new-nff-candidate/ Nigeria National Team: Argentine Coach is a new NFF candidate]
[http://www.africansportsmonthly.com/news/-botswana-football-can-rodolfo-zapata-pull-gaborone-united-out-of-the-red Botswana football: Can Rodolfo Zapata pull Gaborone United out of the red?]
[http://esportes.terra.com.br/futebol/copa-do-mundo/2010/na-nigeria-tecnico-argentino-da-dicas-a-maradona,db2c1f60090fd310VgnCLD200000bbcceb0aRCRD.html Na Nigéria, técnico argentino dá dicas a Maradona]
[http://442.perfil.com/2010-06-11-4284-las-claves-del-primer-rival/ Las claves del primer rival]
[http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/deportes/8-147055-2010-06-06.html La Seleccion de Nigeria es floja en defensa]
[http://www.infobae.com/2010/06/06/519881-039messi-no-luce-porque-no-tiene-asimilado-el-concepto-equipo039/ Messi no luce porque no tiene asimilado el concepto de equipo]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9HCYWsZkIs TNT Sports Argentina: Futbol for Export Rodolfo Zapata]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSCSq04eOfY COACH RODOLFO ZAPATA - Sunshine Stars FC, Nigeria Premier League]