Zola Heads For Home to Ask for a Visa

By Deadly Submarine
May 21 2005

After a disappointing week for Tranmere fans and staff following Tuesday’s play-off exit at the hands of Hartlepool, some positive news seems to have emerged on Saturday morning regarding troubled striker Calvin Zola. Reports say that Zola has flown out to the Congo to personally request a Visa.

Zola, 19 has been out of first-team action for Rovers since November after government authorities withdrew Calvin’s right to a Visa to remain in the country meaning that although he has since been able to train with the Rovers squad, he has been unable to play any competitive games.

 

Zola came to the UK with his mother when he was just 14 after fleeing his war-torn home country of Congo.  After being spotted playing football by Newcastle United while at University in the city, he was signed up by the Magpies.  His opportunities for first team football where extremely limited at Newcastle and he eventually went on loan to Oldham Athletic last season before being snapped up by Rovers manager Brian Little last summer.

 

Since his Visa was taken away, Calvin has been granted a permit to work in the UK but that will only become valid once he has a Visa.  Zola had been informed that to get a Visa he would have to return to his homeland and apply in person, something he has been afraid to do for fear for his life if he does return.

 

A month ago, we at Total Tranmere started a petition to ‘Save Zola’, which has since had over 2000 signatures.  The pressure from Rovers fans through the petition and through other channels led to government intervention a few weeks ago when Sports Minister Richard Caborn travelled to Tranmere’s training ground to meet Calvin and Tranmere Officals.  This resulted in some progress recently with Zola being told that his Visa could be fast-tracked.

 

Now if the reports from Radio City are to be believed, Calvin has travelled to Congo to apply for his Visa.  If this is the case, he must have been offered protection in order to have changed his mind about going. 

 

Total Tranmere would like to wish Calvin all the best with this next vital stage of his return to action with Tranmere Rovers.

 

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