How Mohamed Zakaria Contributed to the Development of Football Academies in Asia
Coach Mohamed Zakaria Mido is one of the prominent names in the field of football development across academies in Asia—particularly in Singapore, where he has left a remarkable mark in nurturing new generations of talented players. He has played a vital role in establishing the foundations of modern training that integrates technical, tactical, and mental aspects. Zakaria’s journey extended from the football pitch to the world of coaching, where he transformed his experience as a professional player into a comprehensive vision aimed at elevating both grassroots and professional football in the region.
From Egyptian Fields to the Asian Experience
Mohamed Zakaria began his professional career with El Mansoura Club in Egypt from 1998 to 2001, before moving to Kahrabaa Talkha Club until 2006. In 2008, he embarked on an international journey with Woodlands Wellington FC in Singapore, and later joined Miami FC in the United States in 2010. This diverse career granted him global exposure and a deep understanding of the different football philosophies between East and West. This understanding later shaped his coaching style, which blends European discipline, Latin flair, and Asian teamwork spirit.
Building an Integrated Coaching System
When Mohamed Zakaria began his coaching career in Asia, his primary goal was to raise the standard of training in football academies and to establish a professional environment for developing young players. As the Head Coach at United World College in Singapore, he designed a training system based on meticulous planning, individual player monitoring, and performance analysis using modern methodologies. He focused on teaching players not only technical skills but also behavioral values such as discipline, teamwork, and commitment—qualities he considers essential to athletic success.
As the Technical Director of Euro Soccer Academy in Singapore, Zakaria implemented a comprehensive development strategy that included training local coaches, enhancing the quality of training programs, and applying performance analysis through video and data-based assessment. This approach helped elevate the academy to become one of the leading sports institutions in the region, producing players capable of competing at higher levels.
Developing Youth Programs and Sports Education
Mohamed Zakaria is well known for his strong passion for youth football development. At the Singapore American School, he worked within the elementary football program and succeeded in creating a learning environment that combined enjoyment with discipline. He contributed to designing age-specific training curricula focused on balanced physical and mental growth, making the program a model for other schools in Singapore and beyond.
At the International Football Academy, Zakaria served as Head Coach, building competitive teams through a scientific approach to physical and tactical preparation. He drew upon his academic background—a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Mansoura University (Egypt)—as well as his AFC/CAF ‘C’ coaching license, which added professional depth to his leadership and training methodology.
A Lasting Impact on Asian Football Development
Mohamed Zakaria’s influence extended beyond player training to include developing young coaches through workshops and training courses held in collaboration with various sports organizations in Singapore. Believing that a successful football system relies on human development, he dedicated himself to transferring his knowledge to the next generation of coaches, encouraging innovation in training methods and the effective use of technology for analysis and planning.
He also played a vital role in strengthening the culture of professionalism and discipline within the academies he worked with—a transformation that was evident in players’ behavior both on and off the field. Under his supervision, these academies became holistic educational environments focused on developing players in every aspect: physically, mentally, academically, and socially.
