Rodolfo Zapata

Career

Rodolfo Zapata started out as a player in the Argentinian 2nd division. He played as goalkeeper in Huracan, Sportivo Italiano, Racing de Olavarría, Club Atlético San Miguel and Cipolletti de Rio Negro. Due to consecutive knee injures, Zapata retired from playing and he embarked on a managerial career.

On January 1990, he founded Rolo Zapata Soccer Academy in Bella Vista, Buenos Aires. It is a private training complex for youth, high school and collegiate players. Currently is one of the elites soccer program in Argentina and United States.

In June 2000, Zapata coached Alberta Soccer Association in Canada. Shortly after, he was Teacher/Head Coach of United Nations International School in New York City.

Also in New York and New Jersey, he was Head Coach of USA Olympic Development (2001-2009). This program 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.

On January 2010, he was based in Akure City, where he was Head Coach of Nigeria Premier League side Sunshine Stars FC.

In 2011-2012 season, Rodolfo was appointed to be Head Coach of MP Black Aces FC in South Africa.

On September 2012, he returned to the United States as Technical Director of Coaching and Players Development for the United States Youth Soccer Association in New Jersey. Many of these young players have gone on to represent the USA Youth National Teams in various age categories.

In January 2016, Zapata leaves USA to join Gaborone United in the Botswana Premier League.