Fashion Sakala takes over the armband at AFCON, vows to restore Zambia’s pride

Sakala, based in Saudi Arabia, is replacing Lubambo Musonda, who has led the team for the past few years. 

He will be assisted by Kings Kangwa, Frankie Musonda and Benson Sakala as his assistants. 

Zambia is in Group A, alongside the hosts, Morocco, Comoros, and Mali, and Sakala is relishing the opportunity to lead his country.

"Thank you so much, it's a privilege and honour obviously to be the captain of the national team. I really appreciate the trust and the responsibilities that I've been given but for me nothing really changes," Sakala said. 

"I'm still the same person, I have to keep my humbleness, nothing will change. I will still remain a brother to the players, the brother obviously to the technical staff and the whole entire administration. I think for me the mission is simple, to unite the team and obviously to be an example in almost everything."

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Zambia are currently holding their tournament pre-camp in Murcia, Spain, and played an international friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo to prepare for their opening game next Monday against Mali. 

Sakala has got a message for the fans back home as well.

"For me, I will start with appreciation, obviously just to thank every Zambian for supporting us. They've been very supportive, they've been very amazing to us. I will continue asking them to continue supporting us. We are here to make sure that we get the results they deserve," he added.

"I know Zambians, we love football and I know that we've been very dissapointing the past few games but we won't stop working hard. The hard work continues and we'll definitely deliver and give them the results they deserve and I'm very excited for this game and obviously the Africa Cup of Nations."