Zambia captain Sakala fights back against former player Mulenga’s allegations

A bitter feud has ensued between Zambia national team captain Fashion Sakala and former Chipolopolo player Clifford Mulenga. The ‘fight’ follows the team’s disastrous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.

It all started with the former footballer-turned pundit claiming that the Al-Fayha forward suffered abdominal pains in Morocco because he ate a Zambian delicacy of caterpillars.

The striker was taken ill hours before Zambia’s must-win against Morocco on Monday. Sakala was ruled out of the match which the hosts won 3-0.

The former South Africa’s Bidvest Wits winger took to his Facebook page to mock Sakala, claiming that he suffered the abdominal pains after consuming Finkubala (caterpillars) for the first time.

How Sakala reacted to Mulenga’s remarks

However, the former Rangers FC forward did not take such remarks lying down. He launched an attack at Mulenga, the 2012 AFCON squad member, accusing him of being bitter after declining his request for money.

“I am not surprised by the allegations you continue to make against me. You came to me several times asking for financial help, and I assisted you to the best of my ability. When I later explained that I could no longer help financially, you became my worst enemy, angry, and from that moment you chose to portray me as a bad person and a bad player,” Sakala wrote on his Facebook page.

“I will not accept disrespect, especially from a former football player known for disciplinary issues and commitment to tearing people down.”

However, Mulenga, who was expelled from Zambia’s 2012 AFCON squad for disciplinary reasons, hit back using the same Facebook page, saying he didn’t believe Sakala wrote the statement.

“I will treat this as a misguided statement and attempt to embarrass, humiliate, discredit and intimidate me. If we went to court today, Fashion Sakala Jr would never produce any records (bank statements or messages) of him assisting me or refusing to assist me financially. My match analysis will not end here. If people can’t take criticism for poor performances, then let them quit the game,” the former SuperSport United winger said.

Sakala featured in games against Mali and Comoros, and was withdrawn before 90 minutes in both games, his reaction after being substituted attracting the ire of coach Moses Sichone.

The coach for Zambia had installed the Saudi Arabia-based forward as the captain months after he returned to the national team following a fallout with previous mentor Avram Grant.