Zesh Rehman is an innovator and unique, but he would like to lose one of those titles. The first player of South Asian origin to play in the Premiership, he is now dedicated to giving others from his background the opportunity to reach the top of the game.
To this end the former Fulham, QPR and Bradford City man, who is now plying his trade in Hong Kong with Kitchee SC, created the Zesh Rehman Foundation (ZRF) which is now working hard to help change perceptions and myths surrounding British Asians in football by providing more opportunities in disadvantaged communities – combating cultural and religious barriers associated with communities which have a high number of South Asians.
Zesh, who was born in Birmingham and played for Kingshurst FC as a junior, was also aware how the power of football can bring about social change and the ZRF have put together a range of football based educational programmes to help tackle other social issues.
“There is no better feeling in helping young people aspire to do more, learn more and become more and then seeing them achieve something which they will always be proud of”.
Zesh Rehman, Founder of the Zesh Rehman Foundation
Now playing his trade in Hong Kong, where his team Kitchee SC completed an historic treble last season, the Asian World caught up with Zesh to ask about the foundation and his own personal journey through football.
Is it tough always being referred to as an Asian footballer rather than as a footballer?
Being referred to as an Asian footballer instead of just a footballer is never nice because it creates separatism. I always used being perceived an outsider as motivational fuel to work even harder and not be deterred by external factors that were never in my control.
Do you think your race held your career back?
There have been times when my race/background has caused unnecessary obstacles but I have never used it as an excuse, asked for any special attention or made a fuss. You have to learn to deal with hurdles and overcome them. Of course we are all striving for the day when there are no race issues in the game and everyone is given a level playing field.
What are the achievements so far?
Being a relatively new charity, we have managed to deliver some ground-breaking projects within communities that need it the most.
In Bradford – we worked with over 2000 children offering weekly football activities and workshops which included raising awareness around equality and diversity.
In Liverpool – we delivered our ‘Get up Get Moving’ health project with support from Liverpool Football Club (LFC). LFC First Team Doctor, Zafar Iqbal works closely with the Foundation to get across important health messages to young people about leading a healthier lifestyle. Due to the nature of the project it was also great to get LFC and England Captain Steven Gerrard as an Ambassador – helping to inspire even more children.
In London – we have built an exciting partnership with Crystal Palace Football Club.
What are the long term aims?
From our work we ultimately want to see the Asian population better represented in football. Not only playing the sport at a professional level but also when it comes to match officials, coaches, administrators, media and even at grounds as supporters.
Ultimately develop a Zesh Rehman Academy to develop Asian young people as footballers, establish pathways to excellence and support players into the professional game.
