Zambia national team captain Fashion Sakala has hit back at former Chipolopolo winger Clifford Mulenga following comments made after Sakala was ruled out of Monday’s 2025 AFCON Group A clash against Morocco, turning a medical setback into a public war of words.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed ahead of the match that team doctor Wesley Ngongo had withdrawn Sakala after the Al Fayha striker complained of abdominal discomfort, dizziness and general weakness during a routine medical check, prompting his referral to a medical facility.

Mulenga reacted to the development with a cryptic Facebook post that quickly drew attention.

“Apparently he ate CATERPILLARS (FINKUBALA) and had a huge reaction. A delicacy he’s never ever had in his entire life. He chose to eat them before the biggest game of the tournament for his COUNTRY,” Mulenga wrote.

A day after the post, Sakala responded forcefully, accusing the former Chipolopolo winger and 2007 CAF Young Player of the Year Award winner of harbouring a personal grudge and deliberately misleading the public.

“I can imagine people believing that it’s my first time to eat FINKUBALA after growing up in the village but anyway you asked this and people should know . I am not surprised by the allegations you continue to make against me. You came to me several times asking for financial help, and I assisted you to the best of my ability. When I later explained that I could no longer help financially, you became my worst enemy,angry, and from that moment you chose to portray me as a bad person and a bad player,” Sakala alleged.

Sakala makes allegations

Sakala insisted the controversy had nothing to do with football and everything to do with personal resentment.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I respect that. However, tell people the truth. These accusations are not about football; they are driven by your personal anger and resentment toward me over money,” he added.

The Chipolopolo captain went on to defend his character and career, saying he would not tolerate public disrespect.

“Own your personal reasons for hating me and stop misleading the public. I normally would not respond to this, but I will not accept disrespect, especially from a former football player known for disciplinary issues and commitment to tearing people down. Just accept that you never used your time nicely and i shouldn’t be blamed for your own mistakes bro,my time will definitely pass and let the next generation enjoy and i will be there to support them with acceptance that I once played for the national team but not looking down on them because of jealousy and envy.

“I’m not a perfect football player and remember I’m just a normal human being who want to contribute to our country like any other Zambian without downgrading other peoples achievements coz I understand so well that what belongs to other people belongs to them and what belongs to me,belongs to me without downgrading other people’s accomplishments in life.
Stay in your lane man,” concluded Sakala.

As of the time of publication, Mulenga had not responded to Sakala’s comments, with the exchange highlighting growing tensions and distractions around the national team at a difficult AFCON campaign.

READ ALSO: “Referee Was One-Sided,” Bemoans Sichone But Admits Zambia Struggled Against Morocco