Sakala becomes first Zambian to join Scottish league

24 year old African striker Fashion Sakala has made history in the process of agreeing to sign for 2020/2021 Scottish champions Rangers FC. In committing to join the Light Blues on a four-year deal today, Sakala will become the very first Zambian to play in the Scottish Premiership for the Steven Gerrard-coached side who bagged a 55th crown this season.

“Rangers are today delighted to announce that a pre-contract has been agreed withFashion Sakala, and he will join from Belgian side KV Oostende in the summer subject to international clearance and a work permit being received,” the club said in a statement.

Prior to signing for the Scottish champions, the Zambian international enjoyed a fine season in Belgium where he plied his trade with KV Oostende, netting thirteen times and providing four assists in twenty nine games for his side. The hitman started his career with Nchanga Rangers in Zambia before earning a move to Spartak Moscow in 2016 before joining the Belgian side in 2018.

Sakala also becomes the first signing for Gerrard who has already started making plans on how he will defend the Scottish title. Speaking to Rangers TV, the forward could not hide his joy as he agreed to make the switch.

“I am very much excited to start this exciting journey with Rangers. It has been one of my dreams, and I feel like this is a dream come true to join Rangers – one of the greatest clubs in the world. From the first time he (Gerrard) called me, I was excited and it was like a dream come true. Looking at my background, I cannot believe I am going to work with Steven Gerrard! I am looking forward to working with him and I am 100% willing to work and bring a lot of what he wants to the game,” he stated.

Sakala’s signing announcement coincided exactly with the day Steven Gerrard was brought in to the club as the manager two years ago. And probably, that is just an indication of the great things Sakala will do at the club, just like Gerrard has done.