The Professional Footballers’ Association and The Football League have praised Derby County’s Offrande Zanzala who was last night presented with a top honour.
League Football Education has named the 17 year old, who studies Sport at Loughborough College, as winner of the Donald Bell Award.
The award, which Zanzala received at the Rams Championship game against Bournemouth at the iPro Stadium on Wednesday evening, recognizes the efforts of a player who has overcome adversity of some form and commemorates the memory of Donald Simpson Bell VC.
Bell was the first professional footballer to enlist in the Army during the First World War and went on to win a posthumous Victoria Cross for the bravery of his actions during an engagement in the Somme, France.
Zanzala was born in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo and has experienced an incredible journey to become an apprentice footballer at Derby – witnessing horrific scenes, hiding from vigilante groups and losing touch with family members.
“I am delighted to receive this honour which has made me reflect upon the life of Donald Bell as a soldier and footballer.
“This award recognises hard work, bravery, perseverance and a desire to succeed.
“ I am grateful for the support of many people in my life who have made sacrifices to help me and I thank Derby County Football Club for the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing football.”
Gordon Taylor OBE, The Chief Executive of The Professional Footballers’ Association, said: “While he may only be young Offrande has shown considerable maturity, courage and conviction in the face of incredibly testing circumstances which reflect the qualities of Donald Bell. I am sure these character traits will help him go on to great things in his career and life in the future.”
Andy Williamson OBE, Chief Operating Officer of The Football League, added: “Offrande is a thoroughly deserving winner of this award which recognises the development of one of our young apprentices. He is a credit to Derby County and I hope he enjoys a long and happy career in football.”
Loughborough College Elite Sport Education and Welfare Officer Steve Wilkinson said: “ We are delighted with Offrande’s success on and off the field. This accolade is highly-deserved and highlights the outstanding qualities that will undoubtedly support him in his quest to become a professional footballer.”