Offrande Zanzala keen to sign new Newport County contract

The striker joined the Exiles last summer and after an injury-hit start to life in Newport has become a regular in Graham Coughlan’s line-up.

Zanzala arrived on a one-year contract and the 26-year-old is keen to settle after making 17 appearances for the club.

Last season the rapid forward was with Barrow and spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Exeter. The year before he was with Carlisle, the season before it was Crewe.

Accrington is the only place where Zanzala, who came through the ranks at Derby County, has really put down roots – joining them on loan in January 2018 and spending two seasons with the club – but he hopes that can change.

Newport County striker Offrande Zanzala with manager Graham Coughlan (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“We haven’t discussed any contracts for next season but I am enjoying my time here, I get on with the gaffer and the lads” said the striker, who splits his time between Newport and Nottingham.

“Nothing has been mentioned about a contract but I love being here and I guess it’s just a waiting game really, I will take it week by week.

“I am sure when the time comes it will go down smoothly because I am having a good time with Newport.

“There was the change of management but me and the gaffer have a good bond, it’s the same with the assistant manager and rest of the staff.

“I am happy at the club, I am playing football and I love putting on the shirt and performing for the fans.

“I am valued at the club and that is always important as a player. Nothing has been mentioned about a contract yet but we will cross that bridge when it comes and it’s just a matter of time.”

Zanzala has featured in all 13 games since making his comeback from a hamstring injury at Crewe on December 2, when he scored the winner off the bench.

Further goals have come against AFC Wimbledon and Crawley and the striker will admit that he should have added to his tally with one-on-ones versus Hartlepool and Sutton.

Zanzala is starting to hit his straps after injury misfortune with lots more improvement to come.

County striker Offrande Zanzala fires off a shot against Sutton (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“The County fans are always going to see a better version of me, I am someone who always wants to work hard and get better,” he said.

“There is always more to come from me and I don’t like to limit myself, sometimes I surprise myself. I know that there is more to come and that’s what I am chasing.”

That improvement is also being driven by competition after Zanzala, top scorer Omar Bogle and Will Evans were joined by loanees Charlie McNeill and Calum Kavanagh on deadline day.

Coughlan has rotated his starters and demanded that subs add energy.

“We’ve got high standards and there is healthy competition with more strikers in the building,” said Zanzala.

“We are pushing each other and all want what is best for the team, and I think that the gaffer is managing it well.

“Of course everyone wants to play but we are at a point where we are mature enough to understand the situation.”

County aim to take another step towards securing their League Two status at Salford City on Saturday.