Saudi-based Chipolopolo winger Fashion Sakala Jr. is investing a whopping K200,000 to launch a new football league in his home village in Mbenjere and its surrounding areas.
The league, dubbed the ‘Mbenjere Fashion Sakala Football League,’ is an initiative aimed at helping the less privileged by fueling their aspirations of becoming professional footballers. It’s also one of the Chipolopolo star’s ways of giving back to the community.
Born and raised in Kawele village and the Mbenjere area, in the eastern part of Zambia, the Al Fayha forward is the eldest son in a family of seven children.
His family struggled to make ends meet, with Sakala., aged just 9, having to pursue wild animals for survival.
When called for trials in Chipata, he, along with his father, Fashion Sakala Sr., took an eight-hour ride on a bike from his home village. Sakala, who didn’t have soccer boots of his own, borrowed half a pair from a childhood friend.
Despite all the challenges, the striker netted eight goals in a match for Kuwaya Stars FC during the tryouts. He went on to represent Nchanga Rangers, Zanaco FC, Spartak Moscow, KV Oostende, and Rangers FC before his lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
About the league
The new league will consist of 24 teams from Mbenjere and the surrounding villages. Each team will be provided with two sets of football jerseys and four match balls.
Fixtures and results of the league will be announced via radio stations with coverage throughout the Eastern Province.
The league will also award its most outstanding performers with accolades for Best Player and Top Goalscorer. Others include Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, Best Young Player, Best Coach, and Best Referee, Sakala revealed.
“It has always been a dream to help others achieve their dreams,” Sakala wrote on his Facebook page. “And I believe it’s good to be blessed and it’s better to bless others. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
This isn’t the Zambian striker’s first act of generosity this year. Sakala recently donated nearly 2000 bags of mealie meal to people in his home villages to help them cope with the drought resulting from climate change.
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