Following the release of the provisional squad for back-to-back Group E FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Morocco and Tanzania, several Chipolopolo fans have taken to social media to question the exclusion of certain players, particularly Saudi Arabia-based Al Fayha striker Fashion Sakala, who has been left out for the second time in a row.
The striker has been in outstanding form in the Saudi Pro League, hitting 18 goals in 30 games for Al Fayha.
Another player who has not been called is Clatous Chama, who, according to a statement by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), was coming off an injury. That’s why he has not been called.
However, Chama refuted the statement and wrote in a Facebook comment: “Point of correction. I was injured, but I’m now okay….. Just so when you see me playing for my club, don’t say I didn’t want to honour national duty.”
Supporters respect Grant’s selection but not everyone agrees with his decisions. Many argue that leaving out a forward in a rich vein of form could prove costly.
Learn from Gareth Southgate
A Facebook user, Sinkala Katongo reacted, “We heard Gareth Southgate give an honest reason why he left out Rashfor. Manje ifwe kuno [But here] it’s just to announce and let everyone speculate.”
“You have given an update on these other players, like Lameck Banda, that he has an injury; what about Fashion Sakala? Any reason why he is left when the guy is in good shape?” Joseph Siwalozi also commented.
Martin Kaputo also commented: “I think our interest is on fashion…. And we expected an explanation no this one,why is FAZ avoiding to explain to fans the problem.”
Without Lameck Banda, we need Fashion Sakala
Mcdonald Mweemba reacted, “We understand Lameck is injured but fashion Sakala is needed.”
Kuz Yumfwa also wondered why Sakala is not in the squad, stating that: “Is fashion suspended, Olo Bwanji? Otherwise, he should be the first name on the sheet, no doubt. Fix it.”
Meanwhile, Sydney Mungala, communications officer for the Football Association of Zambia, has informed journalists that the coach will have a press conference soon to address fan concerns and respond to questions.
Zambia is currently second on the log standings, level on points with log leaders Morocco, who have a superior goal difference, while Niger is third with the same tally.
READ MORE: Grant announces Chipolopolo squad for World Cup qualifiers, Sakala misses out
