ABOUT OFFRANDE ZANZALA
Learn more about our Head Coach OZ
Offrande “OZ” Zanzala is a professional centre-forward and coach who brings real academy-to-EFL experience into every session.
From grassroots to the professional game
Born in Brazzaville, Congo, OZ’s love for football started as a child — kicking a ball around with family and friends, inspired by players known for skill, flair, and big-match moments.
OZ’s journey is built on the realities young players face: grassroots football, setbacks, trials, rejection, and the decision to keep going anyway. He earned his chance in academy football at Derby County, where he learned what “pro standards” actually look like... from intensity and detail in training, to the mindset needed to cope in a cut-throat environment.
Out of a whole age group, only three or four players will genuinely make it through. It’s not just about talent either — they’re watching for the tiny details every day, especially the hunger, the mindset, and that real passion to compete and win.
He went on to make his Football League debut on loan at Stevenage, starting a League Two match under Teddy Sheringham — a moment he describes as when it finally “felt real”.
Watch the Offrande Zanzala interview
This video is an in-depth interview with OZ reflecting on his football journey, from first falling in love with the game as a child (inspired by iconic players and the joy of scoring goals), through grassroots football in Nottingham and the challenge of breaking into academy level at Derby County. He talks openly about setbacks and resilience, including early rejections, the cut-throat reality of youth football, and coming back from serious ACL injuries, as well as proud highlights like winning Premier League 2 (Category 2), earning Player of the Month, gaining interest from bigger clubs, and making his professional debut on loan at Stevenage under Teddy Sheringham. The conversation also covers memorable goals, playing in big cup ties (including an FA Cup match against Manchester United), how different leagues compare in physicality and conditions, and his future ambitions in coaching using his experience to help develop the next generation while he continues playing.
Playing career highlights
OZ has experienced the full reality of the professional game — from academy football playing in and winning the winning Premier League 2 (Category 2) through to playing in the EFL enduring promotion pressure, big-match environments, and fighting back from serious injury setbacks. That journey has helped shape the standards he now brings into coaching today, passing onto students the elite mentality, consistency, and the details that turn potential into performance.
Honours
Derby County – Barclays U21 Premier League (Division 2) Champions (2015/16)
Accrington Stanley – EFL League Two Champions (2017/18)
Exeter City – EFL League Two Runner-up (Promoted) (2021/22)
Torquay United - National League South Runner-up (2024/25)
Individual awards
Barclays U21 Premier League Player of the Month (October 2015)
Derby County Scholar of the Year (2014/15)
Donald Bell Award (2014/15)
Professional Footballers Association’s Community Champion Award (2024)
Playing Career History
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Coaching career highlights
OZ now wants to help develop and train the next generation of players and help children and adults of all abilities reach their potential and goals whether it is for fun, engagement of being part of our football camps and group sessions or pushing to make it as a professional footballer.
OZ began coaching in 2023 and already has plenty of experience as a coach at club academies, football camps, group sessions, and individuals. and more recently begun by helping with training session at the Marine AFC academy training the future stars at Marine FC and future footballers across Chester, Liverpool and Crosby.
Coaching Attributes
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UEFA C Licensed Coaching Badge
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Academy Coaching Experience
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DBS Certified
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High Quality Coach with Verified Reviews
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Personalised Coaching Sessions
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Experience training children and adults of all ages
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EFL Football Experience
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First Aid / Emergency Aid Trained
Zanzala goals and assists
Are you ready to train?
If you want coaching shaped by real academy and EFL experience, and sessions that build goals, confidence, physical condition and professional habits get in touch or book online to start your own journey with Coach OZ.
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