Beyond the pitch, Gabriel Zakuani takes over coaching the Leopards

• He is a former Congolese retired football player
• He played as a defender
• He is currently a broadcaster and an assistant manager of the DR Congo Under-20 team

Gabriel Abdala Zakuni is a Congolese retired professional footballer who played as a defender, currently coaching the DR Congo U-20 team and a broadcaster. He had a long and successful career journey spending most of his career time in England, where he played for several clubs in the Championship and League One.

The defender started his career at Leyton Orient and was a key player in the squad that gained promotion to the Championship. The former player was signed by Premier League club Fulham, however, he failed to make a regular impact and was sent on loan spells at Stoke City. When he was playing at Stoke City, he helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League.

Zakuani was sent on further loan spells and he joined Northampton Town permanently for three seasons, helping the club reach the League Two play-off final. After that, he spent more time with Gillingham, Peterborough United and Swindon Town. Internationally, he represented the Democratic Republic of Congo national team, also known as the Leopards.

Gabriel Zakuani. Photo/Eurosport

He was a key player for the team for many years and even captained them on several occasions. He played in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments helping them finish third. The defender retired in 2019 from professional football and has since worked as a coach and a media personality. He is currently the manager of the DR Congo under-20 team and a host of BBC’s Match of the Day Africa Top 10.

Early and Personal Life of Gabriel Zakuani

The former defender was born in Kinshasa, DR Congo on May 31 1986 to Congolese parents and he has a younger brother by the name of Steve who is also a professional footballer. Steve played as a midfielder in the US Major  League Soccer for teams like Seattle Sounders FC, Chivas USA and Portland Timbers.

His family moved to London when he was still very young which opened doors for him to pursue his football dream. From a young age, the sport was in the player’s heart and played in school matches and local tournaments where he showcased his potential.

His talent was discovered by Leyton Orient, a professional club in East London. He joined their youth team and made his professional debut for the club, marking the beginning of an exciting career journey, he had a long and successful career journey spending most of his career time in England, where he played for several clubs in the Championship and League One.

The defender retired in 2019 from professional football and is currently the assistant manager of the DR Congo U20 team. He also contributes as a host for BBC’s Match of the Day Africa Top 10 program.

Gabriel Zakuani’s Career Journey

His career journey began in London when he was spotted by scouts from Leyton Orient, a professional club in East London where he progressed through the youth ranks and made his professional debut for the club, and was a key player in the squad that gained promotion to the Championship.

The former player was signed by Premier League club Fulham, however, he failed to make a regular impact and was sent on loan spells at Stoke City. When he was playing at Stoke City, he helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League.

Gabriel Zakuani. Photo/ESPN

The defender was sent on further loan spells and he joined Northampton Town permanently for three seasons, helping the club reach the League Two play-off final. After that, he spent more time with Gillingham, Peterborough United and Swindon Town. Internationally, he represented the Democratic Republic of Congo national team, also known as the Leopards.

He was a key player for the team for many years and even captained them on several occasions. He played in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments helping them finish third. The defender retired in 2019 from professional football and has since been voted as a coach and a media personality. He is currently the manager of the DR Congo under-20 team and a host of BBC’s Match of the Day Africa Top 10.