JANZA NODS GRANT, SAKALA REUNION
…we look forward to a solid relationship between the striker and coach
By Cecilia Nayame
FORMER Chipolopolo coach has commended Avram Grant for resolving differences with Saudi Arabia-based striker Fashion Sakala.
Janza said in an interview yesterday that it was important that Grant, who is Zambia national soccer team coach, found it reasonable to forgive Sakala a year after the two fell out of favour.
Last week, during a press briefing at Football House, Grant announced Sakala’s return to the national team after a year’s absence due to some misunderstandings between the player and the coach.
The Saudi Arabia based striker is part of the 31-member provisional Squad Grant has summoned ahead of Group E World Cup qualifier against Morocco on September 8.
“Every player who deserves a badge in the national team is a good player and it’s good that every player is given a chance…if God gives you a chance and you feel you still have the capacity to contribute, come out and do the right thing,” Janza said.
He looked forward to seeing a good solid relationship between Grant and Sakala going forward.
“It’s good that this issue has come to an end and concluded on a positive note. The nation is happy, actually we are all happy and I believe that the coach [Grant] means well for Sakala.
“We thank him [Grant] for allowing the situation to get back to normal…he is a parent and as former coach for the team, I believe this is the way to go. The spirit of parenthood is good for our players,” he said.
Janza said the nation expected a lot from Sakala after going for over a year without donning national colours.
“We all know that Fashion is not a player we can doubt, we believe and trust in his capability. He has done it with various teams and so it’s obvious that he will pick up his pieces from where he left from during national team assignment,” he said.
Janza said Sakala had a heart for Zambian football and he always wanted to contribute positively to the growth of the sport in the country.
“He is a boy that has always wanted to do the best for his team, we all know that. We thank everybody who has been involved in this process,” he said.
Janza urged Sakala to continue working hard.
“I believe that the news of Fashion Sakala retuning back to the national team has been a good atmosphere for Zambia and I would like to take this opportunity to also encourage Fashion to take heart, bring himself together and get back on the Zambian pitch just like he has always been,” he said.
He also commended Grant for giving Sakala a second chance.
“I would also like to thank the coach for the gesture. It’s important to have a listening ear. This mean well for Zambia especially the football fraternity.
“The issue between Fashion and his coach [Grant] has been an issue that we have been praying for and we are happy that today it has come to an end and in a peaceful manner, we are thanking him [Sakala] for adhering to the call,” he said.
The former Chipolopolo technical director has also urged players across the country to remain united for the sake of the sport in the country.
“I am appealing to players to remain united as they continue contributing to the growth of the sport in the country…let’s speak one language and sing the national anthem to the glory of mother Zambia, by doing so we shall achieve that one goal,” Janza said.
