The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word TRAILBLAZER
T
R
A
I
L
B
L
A
Z
E
R
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "leader/tribal zeal" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case leader/tribal zeal = trailblazer.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TRAILBLAZER mean?
TRAILBLAZER noun- One that blazes a trail to guide others; a pathfinder.
- An innovative leader in a field; a pioneer.