After Zambia defeated Lesotho back-to-back in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Scotland-based forward Fashion Sakala took to social media to express his displeasure with the unfair criticism he claims he received from Zambian fans but Kennedy Mweene has told him to brace himself for more.
Sakala expressed his feelings in a Facebook post on Tuesday, claiming that some fans booed him at South Africa’s Dobsonville stadium, which hosted the second match between Zambia and Lesotho on Sunday.
The Rangers FC forward also claimed that fans have been insulting and labeling him selfish because of his playing style.
“I am very disappointed in the Zambian fans for the vicious insults and endlessly booing directed at me, when I have done nothing but show hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to win games for my country,” bemoaned Sakala.
Sakala described this month’s national team outing as the worst experience of his entire career.
Many people including teammates and coaches have sent encouraging messages to the Scottish Premiership star.
The latest is 2012 AFCON-winning goalkeeper and Zambia’s most-capped player with 122 appearances, Kennedy Mweene.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with BolaNews today, Mweene advised him to desist from responding to fans.
“I think one thing I will say not only to Fashion but to all the young Chipolopolo players is that when they [fans] say all those things, don’t go and respond to them,” Mweene said.
“You know how passionate Zambians are about football. Don’t go to social media to respond to critics; answer them on the pitch. Its not worth it to be answering whats being said on social media.”
‘As long as you play for the national team, fans own you’ – Mweene
Mweene told Fashion to stand strong for more criticism from fans. He said fans believe they have the right to criticize national team players so he should learn to ignore them.
“In Zambia, he must be prepared [for more criticism], this is just the beginning, as long as you play for the national team, those people [fans] own you, my friend, you must know that.”
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The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper believes Sakala should also learn from some of the criticism directed at him.
“He should not take it personal but learn from the criticism that is thrown at him… But don’t react on social media….. Thats what made some of us be where we are today,” concluded Mweene.
