Russia-based Zambia striker Fashion Sakala says it would be an honour to be part of Chipolopolo’s 2018 COSAFA Cup campaign.
The tournament will be staged in South Africa’s Limpopo province from May 27-June 9, with Zambia to enter at the quarterfinal stage when they take on Namibia in Polokwane on June 2.

The 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Cup and 2017 Under-20 AFCON Cup winner joined the team on May 23 in the final phase of Zambia’s home camp in Lusaka before the four-time champions depart for South Africa next week.

“I am not really sure if I will go or with the team not,” the Spartak Moscow striker said. “I would like to be part of it and it would be a great thing if we were to successfully bring it [COSAFA Cup trophy] back here.”

Should an official decision be made to include Sakala, he will be the first overseas player summoned by coach Beston Chambeshi and will also be in line for his senior COSAFA Cup debut.

Sakala joined the team on Wednesday afternoon after earlier training with his ex-club Zanaco during his off-season break.

The 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup quarterfinalist also played in Zambia’s 2-1 win over second-tier side Circuit City in a training match played at Sunset Stadium.

Midfielder’s Collins Sikombe of Lusaka Dynamos and Kelvin Mubanga from Power Dynamos were on target for Zambia in the 4th and 10th minutes respectively.

Biston Banda scored for the FAZ Division 1 Zone 1 side.

“It was a very good game and it was nice to train with the team,” Sakala said.

By Kalumiana Kalumiana