Steve Zakuani joins Tacoma Stars coaching staff

Tacoma Stars GM and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky will be joined by another former Seattle Sounders player in Steve Zakuani. Zakuani joins the MASL (Major Arena Soccer League) side as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2015-16 indoor soccer season. Since retiring from play, the former winger has expanded his charity (Kingdom Hope), started working as a broadcast analyst and is now coaching a pro soccer team that is developing young talents into future MLS players.

"As someone who wants to one day work with young players on a day-to-day basis, this is a great opportunity for me to start learning some valuable lessons in a great setting," Zakuani said via press release. "I know the Stars name very well, as does the whole soccer community in this region, so it's great to be involved with the organization in a direct way now."

S2 player Duncan McCormick played for the Stars last season. Coming up this year, the following former Academy talents will play under Sawatzky and Zakuani - Jamael Cox, Chase Hanson and Troy Peterson.

"Adding Steve to our coaching staff is incredible for the young players looking to work their way up the professional playing ladder," Stars Head Coach and General Manager Darren Sawatzky said. "He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from the highest level you only gain by playing there. Considering the adversity he has faced, I can think of no better person to help young players grow as men and young professionals."

Tacoma starts their season on October 24th, with their first home game at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington, on Friday November 6th.