By Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (March 28th 2017)
Legends Rally to Musonda
Chelsea’s first black player and icon of English football, Paul Canoville, whose struggles against racism, including from his own team’s fans, are well known, led black stars at Football’s Blacklist celebrations last night, in offering support and hope to former Zambian captain Emmy Musonda.
The Chipolopolo legend’s plight has touched football. Musonda lost his fledgling coaching career to a tragic accident in 1993. Things deteriorated in 2015 when diabetes resulted in his left leg being amputated above the knee. Canoville not only sent his support, but made a heart-felt plea for Musonda to receive the help and support that he needs (see his message here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA9EXUORumM&feature=youtu.be).
The first footballer to score 5 goals in a Premier League match, former Manchester United and Newcastle United star, Andy Cole, joined Canoville in supporting and encouraging Musonda. Cole notched 187 gaols in 414 appearances in the Premier League – only Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer have scored more (see his message to Musonda here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLbxlDztHtc).
Former Spurs and Republic of Ireland defender Chris Hughton is the longest serving black manager in English football – a career Musonda was set to enjoy in his native Zambia. The current Brighton and Hove Albion manager is once again hovering on the brink of promotion to the Premier League. He took time out to record a message of support for Musonda (see it here https://youtu.be/XMSNKXMnFsY).
Further Support
Former Queen’s Park Rangers manager and Tottenham Hotspur youth team coach, Chris Ramsey played in all four divisions and an FA Cup Final before going into coaching. He also had a message for Musonda (see it here https://youtu.be/cOO8yqERlqU).
Former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender, Ugo Ehiogu, had 4 England caps. He currently coaches Tottenham Hotspur’s Under-21 team. Ehiogu sent the following message to Musonda which can be seen here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOD8-40kREY).