THE raging battle between mentor and protégé takes an interesting turn as the 69 year old Zambia national team coach dispels claims labeled against him by Fashion Sakala of biased squad selection.
Chipolopolo Coach Avram Grant addressed the media yesterday where he trashed all accusations dumped on him and claimed he is ready to stand before any authority if need be.
The Zambian football environment has been experiencing turbulent winds since the Chipolopolo provisional team for the World Cup qualifiers was announced last week.
This was after some players including Saudi based player, Sakala was ommitted from the list, sparking a whirlwind of controversy online.
In a leaked phone call between the Saudi based Fashion Sakala and the football Association of Zambia (FAZ) communications manager Syndey mungala, Sakala claimed that coach Grant reached out to him via voice notes telling him he was a “lazy and worst” player.
Sakala alleged that Grant vowed to never call him to the national team for as long as he remained head coach due to poor work ethics.this among other allegations paved way for FAZ to launch an inquiry into the matter.
“Such words from the coach was very disrespectful saying I am the reason why we were knocked out from the Africa Cup of Nations tournament and I caused the loss against Morocco” said Sakala.
But in his defense, coach Grant admitted to deliberately leaving out Fashion from the provisional squad due to unprofessional behavior.
He however denied uttering injurious or degrading statements.
The former Chelsea coach advised that through his experience with over 51 years of coaching, he is accustomed to sending text messages of improvement to every player who under performs in a match.
“I send messages to my players when I see that he needs to improve, those who have worked with me know this” Grant explained, “After the tournament in Malawi I sent messages to Fashion and four other players, telling them on what they have to work on.”
He explained that Sakala took offence from the sent message and began to act in an unprofessional manner.
“In my 51 years of coaching, I have never faced a reaction like this from a player that I didn’t choose in the squad.”
“What Fashion is saying are all lies, nothing but falsehoods. I am ready to go anywhere for the inquiry and see him face to face because nothing is true.” Out cried Grant.
The coach on the other hand assured that he might consider calling Fashion Sakala to the squad as of when he see an improvement in the player’s conduct.
The Zambian football community will have to wait for more developments in the matter as the days to the World Cup qualifiers slowly approaches.
Zambia is anticipated to play Morocco on June 7, 2024 and move on to face Tanzania on June 11 2024.
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba May 28, 2024
If we loose grant has to go back were he belong