Kukeli was most recently part of the FC Sion coaching staff as assistant coach to Paolo Tramezzani. At the same time, he successfully completed the UEFA Pro Licence. The former central midfielder started his coaching career as assistant coach at SC Kriens and then moved to FC Wil 1900 a year later in the same position. In his past as a player, in addition to a historic World Cup participation, the former Albanian national player was active for various Swiss Super League clubs, collecting a total of over 240 appearances.
Kukeli will be supported by the new U21 assistant coach Sero Noka, also a UEFA Pro Licence holder. Noka gained extensive experience first as a youth coach at the French second division club Le Havre Athletic Club and then as assistant coach of the 1st team at KF Laçi and FK Kukësi in the highest Albanian division. The 30-year-old was most recently also assistant coach at FC Sion and at the same time responsible for match analysis. At Grasshoppers, he will also be in charge of video analysis in the youth department.
"With the new leadership of the youth department and these additions to the U21 coaching staff, we want to play a successful second half of the season with all our youth teams and at the same time ensure an optimal development of our youth players," said sporting director Bernt Haas.
Grasshopper Club Zurich wishes Burim and Sero a good start in Zurich and looks forward to a positive and exciting collaboration.
