AFC Fylde are delighted to announce the signing of forward Offrande Zanzala on a one-year contract.
Zanzala adds depth to the Coasters’ attacking options and reunites with Head Coach Chris Beech, who he played for at Carlisle United.
Offrande, 27, becomes the newest recruit at Mill Farm ahead of the Vanarama National League season.
Born in Congo, Zanzala has made over 130 appearances in the EFL during his career to date.
Turning professional at Derby County in 2015, Zanzala spent early loans at Stevenage, Chester and Accrington Stanley before moving permanently to the latter in August 2018.
He spent two-seasons in a Stanley shirt, featuring in 60 games across all competitions for the East Lancashire side.
Moving onto Crewe Alexandra in July 2020 prior to being recruited by Beech at Carlisle in January 2021, he represented the Cumbrians 22 times as they finished 10th in Sky Bet League Two.
He remained in Cumbria at his next club, penning a deal at Barrow in June 2021. Zanzala spent time on loan in Exeter City colours, winning promotion up to Sky Bet League One with the Grecians in 2021/22, and was most recently at Newport County.
He now makes the move to the Fylde Coast, penning a deal with the Coasters.
Speaking in his first interview, Offrande told the club website: “I’ve been speaking to the Head Coach and I can’t wait to get going and help get the club where it wants to be. The club has ambitions to go higher and so me coming here was certainly something I wanted to do.
“I’ve got loads of experience in the leagues which is something I want to bring to the team. It’s a crucial year for me football wise and for the years to come. I want to give my all to the club and having played under the Head Coach before and having that understanding will only help me.
“I’m a player who shows a lot of energy on the pitch. I like to speed in play with quick passing and movements in behind. I like to link up with my teammates a lot, I’m direct and hungry and I have a desire to score goals. My character shows in how I play – by working hard – and I’m sure the fans will see attributes of mine which will hopefully help the team progress.”
Head coach Chris Beech added: “Having worked with Offrande before, I’m confident he will be a success here at Mill Farm. He’s a great personality around the dressing room and he will endear himself to his teammates through hard work and his technical capabilities.
“With next season’s rules seeing it possible to make five substitutions from seven named, we need the strongest squad possible and have depth in all positions so we’re pleased to add another type of option to our attacking ranks which will suit our already talented crop of attackers nicely.
“In the Euros, England relied heavily on substitutions to change the game and I’m confident we are building a squad that will have the depth to do that. The age range across the squad is varied, four of which are just 18 years of age, but we are still in the market to add to our hungry and ambitious squad and Offrande is another welcomed addition.”
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