EXCLUSIVE

Palace star bringing new hope

WILFRIED ZAHA was at the centre of one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window.

The Crystal Palace winger is long established as one of the Premier Best of Africa Award for Philanthropic League’s great entertainers and it is no Endeavour at a ceremony in London. wonder both Arsenal and Everton In hearing him speak with passion tried to sign him. and authority, it is clear he has

But lost in the headlines was the matured into someone aware of his other story about Zaha using his privileges, which is the reason he platform as a football star to make a wants to give something back. real difference in his native Ivory His charity work Coast. is one the motivational forces

Each month Zaha behind his football donates 10 per cent of career, even if he his contract – which is sounded more like reported to be worth a politician than £130,000 a week – to a professional good causes, including sportsperson when his sister’s orphanage, giving an impressive Tomorrow’s Hope. He speech. has also set up the Zaha said: “My Zaha Foundation. passion for football

The 26-year-old GIVE BACK: Orphanage team has given me a grew up as one of nine siblings and his platform to do something I love and rise to become a symbol of hope in his help others who, like me, didn’t country represents a growing trend receive any help or handouts.” among footballers who want to use Zaha is already thinking about his their fame to make a difference. future and is committed to putting all

Manchester United star Juan Mata, of his energies into his charity work Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin and after his playing days have come to an Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah are just end. three of a growing band of players to ❑ PALACE players Christian Benteke make donations and use their platform and James Tomkins signed contract to be heard. But few are as generous extensions yesterday to 2021 and as Zaha, who recently received the 2022 respectively. of