Mohamed Zakaria Mido: An Egyptian Coach Making a Difference in Singapore
Coach Mohamed Zakaria, known as Mido, began his journey in the world of sports from a very young age. He enrolled at Mansoura University in Egypt, specializing in Physical Education, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in 2002. This academic phase was a cornerstone that shaped his deep scientific understanding of sports and training methods, which later helped him apply advanced sports theories practically and effectively on the ground.
Moreover, Mido did not stop at university education; he was keen to obtain a ‘C’ level coaching license from both the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This qualification enabled him to coach at the highest levels across multiple continents and opened broad opportunities for him to develop his coaching expertise.
Professional Playing Experience: Refining Skills on the Field
Before transitioning to coaching, Mido had a professional football playing career that lasted about 12 years, during which he was distinguished by commitment and continuous development. He played for Mansoura Club from 1998 to 2001, which marked the true beginning of his football journey. Then he moved to Kahraba Talkha Club between 2002 and 2006, gaining greater experience and advancing his technical level.
His ambition was not limited to Egypt; he sought to challenge himself in new environments. He moved to play in Singapore with Woodlands Wellington from 2008 to 2009, where he gained valuable international experience. Afterwards, he had a notable experience in the United States with Miami FC in 2010, where he was exposed to different training methods and styles of play that enhanced both his expertise and his character as a professional player.
Transition to Coaching: Turning Experience into Teaching
After ending his professional playing career, Mido decided to move into coaching to transfer his valuable experience to the new generation. He began his coaching career as the head coach at United World College in Singapore, where he developed comprehensive training programs aimed at building a strong team based on discipline and cooperation.
He also served as the Technical Director at Euro Soccer Academy, where he designed advanced tactical strategies and modern training methods tailored to the diverse needs of players. This contributed to improving the performance of the teams he coached and elevating their professionalism.
Working in Educational Institutions and Academies
Mido’s experience in training players was not limited to clubs; it also extended to academic schools. He worked as a coach at the Singapore American School (SAS), supervising the primary football program, focusing on developing young players’ skills through educational and scientific methods while paying attention to ethical values and discipline that help build a well-rounded player’s character.
He also served as the head coach at the International Football Academy in Singapore, a modern training environment that attracts players from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. This provided him the opportunity to work in a multicultural environment and apply the latest training techniques and sports development methods.
Coaching Philosophy: Discipline and Team Spirit
Mido believes that the secret to success in football lies in creating a balance between strict discipline and a positive motivating environment. Maintaining order within the team ensures consistent performance, while motivating players and fostering mutual respect enhances team spirit and strengthens harmony among them.
He believes in the importance of developing the player as a whole—not only focusing on technical aspects but also including psychological, physical, and social development—because a well-rounded player is capable of facing the challenges of matches and achieving victories.
Communication and Planning Skills
Coach Mido possesses excellent communication skills that enable him to build strong relationships with players and colleagues from the technical and administrative staff. His precise technical and tactical analysis helps him develop flexible game plans that can adapt to various conditions both on and off the field.
These combined professional and personal skills make him a coach capable of overcoming various challenges, whether technical, psychological, or organizational.
Achievements and Awards
Throughout his career, Mido has achieved many successes both as a player and as a coach. He has won numerous trophies and certificates of appreciation that reflect his determination and continuous efforts in football. These achievements are not just individual milestones but evidence of his effective leadership and constant motivation of players toward achieving their shared goals.
Passion and Continuous Development
Mido has a deep passion for sports and an unending love for professional self-improvement. He is always searching for the latest global training methods and approaches and is keen to continuously update his knowledge through training courses, conferences, and staying informed about the latest developments in the world of football.
