By Erik Chiputula:
The Atlas Malawi presents a Full Story of a retired Popular Footballer Emmanuel Zoya.
Our version of Emmanuel Zoya’s Biography and Childhood brings to you a full account of notable events from his childhood days to date.
Yes everyone know about his defensive skills, but few have had a chance to appreciate his Biography, which is quite interesting. Now, without further ado, let’s begin.
CHILDHOOD STORY – EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY BACKGROUND:
Emmanuel Zoya was born on 28th of October, 1990 at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. As regards his family life, the legendary footballer is a first born child in a family of three. His younger brother Chiletso is also a footballer at Kasungu based tnm super league side TN Stars.
Emmanuel was given the name Siyeni when he was born but his name was changed to Emmanuel after being baptized by a Roman Catholic priest.
Emmanuel Zoya’s late father was from Namitete in Lilongwe while his mother hails from Inkosi Makwangwala in Ntcheu district but he was raised in Likuni township, Lilongwe.
FOOTBALL CAREER
At a tender age, Zoya started his career at Likuni Parish FC. He later moved to Tycoon FC (now Likuni Spurs) where he attracted attention of several regional teams but he joined Chinsapo based side, Young Destroyers.
After spending less than a year at Young Destroyers, he moved to Malewezi FC owned by former Vice President, late Justin Malewezi but the team was disbanded a year later and he returned to Destroyers.
In 2005, Zoya was signed by Civo Service United as a professional player after impressive perfomances for Likuni Secondary school during Coca-cola Schools competition at Lilongwe Community Centre Ground.
Zoya joined Civo Service United as a midfielder but injury woes at forced the then Civo Coach Gilbert Chirwa to play him in Central defence.
Zoya would stay with Civo Service United for 10 years a career which saw him going all the way to captain the Civil servants.
However in January 2016 Blantyre based giants Nyasa Big Bullets came knocking and the temptation was just too much that Siyeni swapped yellow for red and he would join the people’s team as a free agent.
The left footed defender was named TNM Super League best Defender in 2017, in just his second season with the Peoples Team.
Zoya suffered a serious knee injury in 2018 which ruled him out for the rest of that particular season.
Eventually he was released by the people’s team the following year and home sweet home sweet Zoya rejoined Civo Service United in 2019 where he played for one season before retiring from active football in 2020.
EMMANUEL ZOYA DISLIKES: Violence, injustice and conformity.
Generally, Zoya is peaceful and fair. He is someone who is ready to do nearly anything to avoid conflict and keep peace whenever possible.
LIFE AT BULLETS
He signed a three-year deal with Bullets and played six games in his debut 2016 season. The following season he became a regular and he was named best Defender of the season.
Zoya sustained a knee injury in his last season of his contract which ruled him out of action for the whole season. He was later released at the end of the same 2019 season.
RELATIONSHIP WITH FELLOW LEFT BACK YAMIKANI FODYA
According to Zoya, the first person to welcome him at Bullets was Yamikani Fodya. The duo became very good friends since then until today.
Zoya Joined Bullets when Yamikani Fodya was named the best Defender in the League the previous season, something that made him work extra hard to break into the first eleven.
PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
Emmanuel Zoya never signed for any club outside Malawi but he was called for trials at Zambian Side Red Arrows in 2017.
After successful trials, the Arrows were interested in Zoya’s services but the deal failed to materialize after Bullets and Arrows failed to reach fee agreement.
BEST MOMENTS
Zoya’s best moments came in 2008 at Civo Service United when his coach was Alex Masanjala. Zoya told The Atlas Malawi that he still remembers Alex Masanjala passing philosophy that led the team to claim 2010 Presidential Cup and also reached 2009 Standard Bank Cup final.
BAD MOMENTS
When Civo lost 4-1 against city rivals Silver Strikers at Silver Stadium.
TROPHIES
• Standard Bank
• Presidential Cup (2)
• Super League
NATIONAL DUTY
Emmanuel Zoya started 13 games for the senior Malawi National Team. He admitted he had a limited playing time at the Flames because the left back position was occupied by best players in Maupo Msowoya and Moses Chabvula.
BEST EVER TEAMMATE
Zoya mentioned former Civo Service United winger Gerald Nkungula as the best ever to have played alongside.
TOUGH OPPONENT
He mentioned two forwards, former Nyasa Big Bullets forwards Gabadinho Mhango and Mussa Manyenje.
CURRENT BEST SUPER LEAGUE PLAYER
Zoya picked Ekwendeni Hammers goalkeeper Chancy Ntete as his best player in the Super League so far.
LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL
He owns his academy in Likuni called Soccer Cents School where apart from football he also drills young talents in different sports activities including netball and Marathon.
Zoya is also one of the coaches for Mpira Mmudzi Mwathu football Academy.
The CAF C coaching license holder is targeting to upgrade his qualifications as he sets his eyes on becoming an elite ccoach.
ACADEMICQUALIFICATION
Zoya is a holder of Malawi School Certificate of Education and is about to start Journalism studies at one of the colleges in Lilongwe.
RELIGION
Zoya is a christian and he is a bonafide member of the Roman Catholic Church.
He is married and likes playing futbo and watching, make new friends, going to church and his best dish is rice with beef.
He likes listening to reggae music as it always inspire hin, he likes wat hing series like Prison Break.
