Wilfried Zaha Wins Best Of Africa Award

Cote d’Ivoire and Crystal Palace midfielder Wilfried Zaha won a Best of Africa Award for Philanthropic Endeavour in 2019 at an event held last night in London .

The award aims to celebrate the key figures who support socio-economic and ethical development across Africa.

Winner of the award for Philanthropic Endeavour within the Leadership category, Zaha was selected for being a “Professional athlete who has demonstrated exceptional vision, passion, and commitment to leadership, developing or supporting a measurable paradigm.

“The reason he won this award is we see him as truly an outstanding individual who we celebrated for his remarkable generosity and sense of purpose in the field of philanthropy. 

“Not only does he donate 10% of his salary to charities in Cote D’Ivoire, he also assists in initiatives that support the education and wellbeing of young Africans.” explained the award adjudicators.

The Best of Africa Awards are held annually in London and bring together some of the most influential members of the African diaspora living and working in the United Kingdom, to highlight the positive achievements they have made to communities at home and abroad.

In April, Zaha was handed The Philanthropy Award at the Football for Peace initiative dinner by Global Gift which was organised to support Football for Peace’s efforts to promote football diplomacy, understanding and tolerance across the globe.

 “I’m proud of what my mum and I have achieved and looking forward to continuing our work in the UK and Ivory Coast” highlighted Zaha on Twitter.

“I don’t do it for the accolades or anything. People assume I just play here and all I do is here but I care about my country and I’ll do as much as I can. The main thing is, it’s from the heart and I do it for my country and that’s all that matters to me.” further explained Zaha in reference to the awards.

By Gerald Dandah