Offrande Zanzala is one of the hottest prospects in the Derby County academy, but his journey has been a difficult one – HITC Sport spoke exclusively with the player.
Born in Brazzaville, the capital and most populous city in the Republic of the Congo – and also the site of some of the most bloody conflicts of the country’s numerous wars – the First Congo War broke out the year in which Offrande Zanzala was born, 1996.
From Rwanda’s invasion into what was then known as Zaire to the ‘African World War’, the region in which Zanzala was born was embroiled in conflict until at least 2003. It was for that reason that the player and his family left Congo, heading to Austria, before eventually settling in England.
Zanzala was young, and his tone suggested his memories were either shady or he would somewhat understandably rather talk about footballing matters. “A lot happened at that age,” he said, “It wasn’t easy for all the family. It was terrifying for us all, [there was] lots of shooting and death… very bad things.”
Derby’s Offrande Zanzala poses with the U21 Player of the Month award
Having fled Congo at a young age, Zanzala joined Derby County when he was just 12, and remains with the Rams today. His short career to date reached it’s apex in November 2015, when the youngster was named the Barclays Under-21 Player of the Month award, following four goals in just three games.
A pacy and direct forward who likes to get in behind defenders, he was being touted as a potential breakthrough star at that time, but soon after, injury struck. The 20-year-old’s most recent and most serious injury coming in August 2016, and ruling him out for the entire season.
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When discussing his personal aspirations, fitness unsurprisingly takes precedent. Zanzala said, “My main focus is to get fit. After that I can concentrate on first team football and proving myself, but right now I’m being patient to come back.”
Despite his injuries, the young forward who previously said he modelled his game on Didier Drogba recently agreed a new deal at Derby County, a mark of the high regard they hold him in, particularly recently re-appointed head coach Steve McClaren, who has a good working relationship with Zanzala.
Zanzala has a good relationship with Derby County manager Steve McClaren
“It’s great having him back. He’s a great person and a great coach who I have a great relationship with, so I’m glad he’s back.”
When it comes to Derby’s chances in the Championship, Zanzala is more optimistic than most. Without a win in all five games in February (four at the time of our conversation), currently situated in 11th place in the Championship, 11 points off the play-off’s and 19 points off the automatic places, you might be forgiven for thinking the Rams chances of promotion this season were slim, but not Zanzala.
“I think it’ll be the play-off’s, or straight up, obviously given our position right now though, the play-off’s would be the most likely.”
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