Zakaria Taifi first to complete the development pathway for Orlando City SC | OneFootball

No organization puts more emphasis and pride in its development program than Orlando City SC. Now, a player has gone the complete route through the program. It’s defender Zakaria Taifi.

Several young hopefuls got their chance this season to show the first team what they can do in MLS game situations. Defender Zakaria Taifi is one of those on a short-term contract.

Taifi had only recently reached the first team roster in April when scouts and coaches got their tablets out. His number was called during highly tense conditions in a match with CF Montreal.

A Lion got hit with a yellow card/red card, and Orlando was down a player while defending a 0-0 draw. A portion of Taifi’s scouting report suggested he’d be effective in this situation, with City showing a 4-4-2 double-six, but not in his position of defender.

From the 86th minute, Taifi patrolled his side of the pitch to effectively park the bus. Montreal’s most aggressive players would have none of it. They had the advantage in numbers and could have used a win.

Within his first minute off the bench, Montreal defender George Campbell charged in on the attack. Taifi challenged and won a foul from him. The Lions left the pitch with a point.

May 7, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Orlando City SC defender Zakaria Taifi (96) dribbles the ball against the Tampa Bay Rowdies during the second half at Al Lang Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The organization didn’t rely only on Taifi’s record with Orlando City B in judging how helpful he’d be in challenging game conditions. That record has been excellent.

He appeared in 42 matches, starting in 21 of them. He scored a goal plus three assists. Earlier, in the Academy, he captained the squad that won the U17 MLS NEXT Cup in 2021.

But Taifi started in the Orlando City organization younger than that. At age 19, he’s the only player who’s progressed to the first team completely through the development pathway.

He started at the earliest possible age with the U9 Orlando City Soccer School. Now, he’s earned the opportunity to contribute to the next trip through the MLS postseason for Orlando City SC.