FASHION SAKALA taught plenty of defenders a lesson during two seasons at Rangers.
His football education took him from his homeland in central Africa to Belgium with Oostende, Ibrox and on to Saudi Arabia where he currently stars with Al Fayha.
And along the way he’s learned a thing or two as well.
Moving to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League where he’s faced old foe Jota and ex-boss Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo was a game-changer for the forward.
Now, humble Sakala has been giving back to his village and local community in Zambia – funding football leagues, disaster relief and now a SECONDARY school in his name.
After floods devastated his village and surrounding areas in March he funded bags of supplies and food back to those in need.
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He’s also been behind half a dozen football leagues in the area too – funding strips, awards and coaching for the men‘s and women‘s game.
Now he has taken his generous nature into the CLASSROOM and opened a school in his name.
Fashion Sakala Secondary School has been three years in the making and the striker vows it will be worth the wait when it’s finally full of pupils.
He’s used his wages from Rangers, Saudi Arabia and beyond to fund the scheme which includes housing for teachers and accommodation for pupils too.
It’ll throw open its doors next month and Sakala proudly announced his project was complete on social media.
He explained: “The construction of the Fashion Sakala Secondary School began in September 2021, a special and memorable time to me, my family and the community in the area.
“This monumental achievement consists of 14 classrooms, seven offices, 15 teachers’ houses, two blocks of boarding houses for scholars and a Dining Hall.
“It is my prayer that once fully completed, handed to the Government and operational, the Fashion Sakala Secondly School will be one of the best Secondary Schools in Zambia.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family for unwavering hardwork, dedication and support which have brought my dream to reality in my absence. I would also like to express my gratitude to the government and the incredible Mbenjere community for coming together and supporting my dream.
“This school therefore represents my gratitude and love for the people of Zambia my country and God the creator for blessing me with my career in football.
“I’m excited to see this project for the first time and reconnect with the Mbenjere community this June. I am filled with boundless excitement for the future of Fashion Sakala Secondary School, a testament to the power of God, collective determination, and unity.”
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