After impressing in his last two matches for Rangers FC, Zambian forward Fashion Sakala’s relationship with Scottish fans has gone from “hate to love” as a multiple of them are seen on various social media platforms tipping coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst to start him against Liverpool tonight.
Sakala came off the bench to play the last 24 minutes against Liverpool in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League group stage match at Anfield.
Despite the Gers losing 2-0 to the Reds, he completed a total of three accurate passes and made two shots on target to earn him his first start of the season for the Scottish giants on the weekend against ST Mirren.
The 25-year-old striker who has been struggling for game time this season scored and assisted in his first start of the campaign to the amusement of many fans at the IBROX who now want him to start tonight after helping them record a massive 4-0 win at home.
FANS REACTIONS VIA TWITTER :
“Liverpool must be worried about Sakala, the lad is on fire and would destroy their defense tonight.”- @leko_lako
“Ready for this Fashion Sakala masterclass against Liverpool tonight.” – @laidlaw_jamie
“If sakala starts, Liverpool will be in trouble.”- @leko_lako
“His attitude is fantastic, did make a bit of an impact at Anfield (granted the game was dead at that point). He was a vital player for the latter part of last season and scored some important goals for us. He may not be the answer, but he gives us some much needed energy.”- @TheIbroxChannel
“Well done Fashion. I hope you now get a decent run in the team. I’d have you in the starting 11 every game. You give 100% each time. Your a top player. Keep it up. Your a true blue and always will be.” – @Gb24ham
“Never thought that in May I’d want Fashion Sakala Jr to start vs Liverpool either tbf.”- @GeorgeM1872_
And responding to calls by fans that he should start against Liverpool tonight in the Champions League, Sakala said he is ready if that opportunity is given to him.
“I’m looking hopefully to starting. But I always respect the decision of the boss. If I start, I will appreciate it. If I’m on the bench, I will appreciate it as well.
“I always look forward to getting my chances. If he gives me the chance to start against Liverpool, I’ll be ready.
“I hope to start. But it’s his decision and I respect that.
“We have struggled in the Champions League, the first time back in the Champions League for the club for a long time. We have to switch very quickly.
“The league is very important for us and we know how tough it is. We need to stay focused on the league. The Champions League has been difficult.
“We always say we don’t need to sleep in the league competition because that is the most important for us,” he concluded.
Sakala will now hope he gets a chance to play and score his dream Champions League goal as Rangers seek their first win in the competition this season after losing 4-0 to AJax 0-3 to Napoli and 2-0 to Liverpool to sit rock bottom of Group A.
Liverpool on the other hand will look to top the group tonight while leaders Napoli who are topping the group with 9 points will aim at maintaining their lead when they also host third-placed Ajax.
