ZINYOR BABIKER
COACH ZEE
Coach Zee, Founder and Director of Coaching & Performance Development for Soccer Player Academy. Zinyor Babiker, better known as Coach Zee, is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He attended Central High School where he played soccer for two years and was considered one of the best players in Knoxville, TN. While at Central High School, Coach Zee was awarded: All-District 1st Team, All-Regional, M.V.P., Midfielder of the Year, and was selected for the All-Star game. During his senior year, he made Knoxville Force (semi-pro team), becoming the youngest player to make the team at just 17 years old.
Coach Zee began his career at the Inter Futbol Academy (I.F.A.) as a Director of Coaching, where he coached and developed players from elementary to college levels. He was instrumental in expanding I.F.A. size in terms of player recruitment. While at I.F.A, he was also the Assistant Director of Player Development (SELECT ONE PROGRAM) and helped players reach their goals. Coach Zee was a part of the process of working with Chievo Verona (Top Serie A player Development club in Italy), creating a great relationship with the program. He garnered attention after his United Red Boys team dominated their age group and went undefeated for a year and a half. For two years in a row, they were considered to be the best team in Knoxville, TN. During his time at the I.F.A., Coach Zee sent 97 players to college.
Coach Zee also led Northwest Middle School to an undefeated season before losing in the finals during his first year with them.
In 2017, Coach Zee joined the Knoxville Football Club Crush (K.F.C. Crush) and took over the 01s and 04s boys and girls teams and the 06s boys team, where he is a player development coach. Since joining K.F.C. Crush, Coach Zee has taken each group to the state tournament every year.