Cédric Makiadi Mapuata’s Unexpected Journey to Werder Bremen U19 Coach
Cédric Makiadi Mapuata, the former international Congolese defensive midfielder, has been at the helm of the Werder Bremen U19 team in Germany for almost three seasons now. This unexpected career move came after a successful stint with the U16 team. Despite not initially aspiring to be a coach, Mapuata has embraced his role and continues to learn and grow in his position.
Learning from the Best
Reflecting on his journey, Mapuata credits various coaches for shaping his approach to coaching. From Eric Gerets, who helped him make his Bundesliga debut at VfL Wolfsburg, to Robin Dutt and Christian Streich at Fribourg, Mapuata has gleaned valuable lessons from each mentor. However, he emphasizes the importance of forging his own path and not simply emulating others.
A Fortuitous Turn of Events
Mapuata’s transition to coaching was serendipitous. After retiring from professional play, he remained in Bremen and received a surprising offer from Frank Baumann to serve as an assistant coach for the U17 team. Despite lacking a coaching license at the time, Mapuata agreed to a six-month trial period, which has now evolved into a seven-year coaching journey. While coaching wasn’t part of his original plan, Mapuata expresses gratitude for the opportunity and the fulfillment it has brought him.
As Mapuata, now 40, reflects on his career, which includes 26 caps for the Democratic Republic of Congo national team and an appearance at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, he acknowledges the unexpected yet rewarding nature of his coaching path.
Now, leading the Werder Bremen U19 team, Mapuata’s dedication to following his own unique coaching style serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and players alike. His story exemplifies the importance of embracing unforeseen opportunities and staying true to oneself in the pursuit of professional fulfillment.