Forward Zak Ansah has collected the Lamb Awards sponsored Young Guns Player Of The Month crown for April 2009, after comfortably making the step up to Under 18’s football and for bagging a classy brace on his first start.
The 14-year-old was playing for the Under 15’s at the start of the season, but will finish this break through campaign as a reliable option for Steve Bould’s Under 18’s as they retained the Group A League title.
Zak – the son of much travelled former Southend midfielder Andy Ansah – celebrates his 15th birthday on Monday, and he’ll no doubt look back on the last 12 months with pride after earning himself the guarantee of a scholarship deal in another years time. Boasting pace, power, agility and a knack for being in the ‘right place at the right time’ the young poacher is immensely talented.
The month began a little slow for Zak, but it quickly picked up pace. After playing a part in the Under 16 side which faltered in the Nike Cup, the striker made the bench for the Academy fixture with Crystal Palace. The Gunners romped home with Ansah playing the final 15 minutes – and impressing.
Seven days later Bould handed him his first start in an extremely youthful XI. Two goals in five minutes from the quick-silver forward on the hour mark secured the win either side of Chuks Aneke and Benik Afobe efforts. It was an emphatic way to mark your first start.
Zak then flew off to Italy for the Atalanta Cup, but after elimination at the hands of Inter Milan, the month came to an end on a sour note. But the signs are certainly there that he has a rather bright future, and you’re certain to be hearing a lot more about this youngster in the coming months.
Article By – J.Sanderson