Chipolopolo striker Fashion Sakala’s prolonged absence from the Zambia national team is not merely about his past dispute with coach Avram Grant, but more critically, due to an unresolved rift with fellow players, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga has confirmed.
Speaking during an appearance on Hot FM’s Hot Seat programme, Kamanga shed light on the deeper issues surrounding the striker’s last appearance on January 21, 2023—and why reconciliation has proved elusive.
Inquiry Collapsed as Key Figures Declined to Participate
Following Sakala’s public accusation that Coach Avram Grant favoured players under the agency of Israeli agent Nir Karin, FAZ initially promised an official investigation into the matter. However, Kamanga disclosed that the process stalled as Sakala and others failed to take part.
“The decision of the executive was to open an inquiry… Unfortunately, those who were expected to participate in the inquiry did not, including Fashion himself,” Kamanga said.
Coach-Player Rift Nearly Resolved, but New Twist Emerged
Kamanga revealed that while Sakala and Grant had nearly resolved their issues through private dialogue, it soon became clear that the bigger issue involved tensions with other national team players.
“Initially, we were convinced the matter was between the coach and the player… But then it turned out that the issues didn’t touch on the fellow players,” Kamanga said.
The FAZ boss noted that some of Sakala’s previous public remarks—suggesting other players were being unduly favoured and mocking them for scoring “tap-ins”—did not sit well with the squad.
Team Demands Reconciliation Before Sakala’s Return
Kamanga stated that the national team players now expect Sakala to make peace before any return can be considered.
“The fellow players… expect that their colleague [Sakala] is going to go back to them and make peace,” he said.
As a result, Sakala’s reintegration into the Chipolopolo setup hinges not only on coaching decisions but also on locker room harmony.
