Zambian striker Fashion Sakala dropped a hint at his retirement plans in a recent video. The moment came during his heartfelt congratulations to Saudi Arabia after the country was awarded the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
While the video itself was meant to celebrate the Kingdom’s historic achievement, the comments Sakala made in the clip raised questions about his future in football, with some of his followers speculating that he may retire early if he meant what he said.
“Big congratulations to Saudi Arabia for [winning the hosting rights] for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. People are very excited with the biggest population. They’re very excited to watch and I can’t wait to be there, even though I’ll be retired,” the 27-year-old Al Fayha striker said. “But I’ll be there. I’ll come to watch the 2034 FIFA World Cup here in Saudi Arabia.”
He added, “Saudi Arabia is paving the way to grow football, both domestically and international level, creating connections and inspiring the future generations to come growing together.”
“It will be too early to retire” – Fans
In 2034, Sakala will be 37 years old and some of his fans feel he would be too young to retire from football.
James Selemba, a Facebook user, said, “You are still young to retire at that age.”
“Why do our African footballers retire so early? When did we start watching people like CR7, Messi, Ronaldinho & many others?? Are the years of retiring in football different here in Africa?” another Facebook user Kessy Bj Daniels also wondered.
Sakala, who has been ostracized from the national team after falling out with coach Avram Grant, whom he accuses of coercing players to sign with his agent, Nir Karin, joined Saudi Arabian club Al Fayha in August 2023 from Scottish powerhouse Rangers.
He joined Ibrox from KV Oostende in the summer of 2021. During his two-year stay in Scotland, Sakala scored 24 goals and assisted 15 times in 91 games, winning the Scottish Cup. He also competed in a major European final, the 2022 UEFA Europa Final versus Frankfurt.
Since his move to Saudi Arabia, Sakala has been in top form, scoring 26 goals and 11 assists in 54 games across all competitions under a year to become Al Fayha’s all-time scorer.
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