Zambian superstar Fashion Sakala caught up with RSL media on Tuesday to name his greatest African five-a-side team. Comprising at least one goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, winger, and striker, a dream team of his best players on the African continent had to be selected.
GOALKEEPER
Between the sticks, Sakala decided to go with Chipolopolo legend Kennedy Mweene. The Zambian shot-stopper is one of Africa’s most celebrated goalkeepers, winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Copper Bullets in 2012.
Mweene, Zambia’s most-capped player of all time, now coaches the goalkeepers for South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.
DEFENDER
Another African champion was slotted in at the back, with Senegal’s Kolidou Koulibaly marshalling in defence for Sakala. The Al Fayha attacker snubbed Zambia’s 2012 AFCON hero and Chipolopolo teammate Stopilla Sunzu for his Saudi Pro League adversary.
MIDFIELDER
Lighting up the play in the middle of the park is none other than Fashion Sakala himself. In justification, the Zambian said, “I will put myself in midfield. To make good passes and assists for Sadio Mane and Drogba to get more goals.”
WINGER
Sadio Mane was Sakala’s first pick upfront. The 2022 AFCON winner and two-time CAF Player of the Year laureate now plays alongside the Zambian’s idol Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. The Teranga Lions skipper was outscored by Sakala in Saudi Arabia last season, scoring just 13 league goals compared to the Chipolopolo star’s 19.
STRIKER
Strikers do not come as clutch as Didier Drogba. It’s no secret that Fashion Sakala is an admirer of the Ivorian legend, occasionally performing Drogba’s trademark celebration when he scores a goal in Saudi Arabia.
“Drogba is my role model,” the Zambian attacker once admitted to RSL media.
Whilst housing some exceptional players, the Zambian’s 5-a-side will raise a few eyebrows, especially since it included himself at the expense of African icons like Kalusha Bwalya, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, and George Weah.
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