‘KING’ SOLOMON: THE FORGOTTEN AFCON U-20 WINNING CAPTAIN

On March 13, 2017, tears of joy overcame a certain young man from Lusaka’s Bauleni compound. These were not tears of having passed a grade 12 examination, but tears of having achieved the impossible.

In 2017, Solomon Sakala became the first-ever Zambia U-20 captain to lead the county to a first-ever junior Africa Cup of Nations triumph, four years after Christopher Katongo became the first Zambia National team captain to lead the country to a maiden senior Africa Cup of Nations victory.

Like Katongo, Sakala was not the most gifted player in that victorious U-20 side. However, it was his ability to command his teammates from the back and his leadership skills on and off the pitch that made him stand out from the rest of the pack.

On the pitch, the young Chipolopolo boys’ captain brought a combination of bravery, speed awareness, and aerial prowess. It was such attributes that made Zambia concede only two goals in the entire tournament.

The 2017 junior Africa Cup of Nations tournament presented a rare three weeks of total, scintillating football from the Zambia U-20 side that was led by the hardworking captain Sakala, flavored with the talented Enock Mwepu, Patson Daka, and Fashion Sakala.

Guinea was the first side to be put to the sword by a lone goal. On matchday two, Zambia humiliated Mali 6-1. Zambia’s victory against Mali meant automatic qualification to 2017, South Korea FIFA U-20 World Cup.

In the final round of the group stage, Zambia beat Egypt 3-1 to book a place in the semi-finals against a tricky South African side.

The young Chipolopolo boys met a brave South African side whose technical ability and agility matched the 2016 COSAFA U-20 Champions. It was billed as the Southern African derby.

After 90 minutes of exciting football, the two teams could only be separated by an Edward Chilufya, last-minute header in extra time.

Zambia booked her first Africa Cup finals against the young Lions of Teranga in what was expected to be an explosive encounter.

When the final whistle blew, tears of joy overcame the young Chipolopolo boys. Zambia were crowned African Champions after beating Senegal by 2-0 in the finals.

Sakala is arguably among a few young players who achieved much more than they expected at the beginning of their football careers.

Before 2017, Africa Cup Nations triumph, Sakala captained Zambia to the 2016 COSAFA U-20 title. He later led Zambia to a quarter-final finish at the Korea 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

“I am very proud to have led a group of good players during those three tournaments. When I look back to what we achieved together and what players like Mwepu, Sakala, Daka, and the rest are doing, I feel very proud.

I am grateful to God for giving me that rare opportunity to be their leader during those successful years.”

Three years has passed since Sakala led Zambia to the 2017 South Korea U-20 FIFA World Cup. Since then Sakala has established himself as an important defender for eight-times Super League Champions, ZESCO United.

The former NAPSA Stars defender recounts his journey from the U-20 successful years to playing for one of the biggest club sides in Zambia.

“I have always been an ambitious person but also respectful. I have been fortunate to have played for Kabwe Warriors, NAPSA Stars, and now ZESCO United. Although this wasn’t easy to achieve.

I have had to learn a lot from people I have played the game with. I think my greatest asset has been discipline throughout my time at these different teams,” Sakala said.

Moving to ZESCO United is arguably a daunting task for any budding footballer. However, for Sakala, it wasn’t difficult to find his way up the ladder.

“I was highly exposed at a young age. I played at the U-23 national team, I was also a constant feature at the national team and I also played for Warriors and NAPSA before moving to ZESCO. As a result, it wasn’t difficult enough for me to settle in the team.

When I came here, it was more about fighting for game time and getting my name in the first eleven.”

The constant shift from playing at the country’s youth level and the senior national team has given Sakala a chance to work with some of the finest local and foreign coaches.

The young defender attributes his playing style and growth in the game as a result of having worked with different experienced managers.

“I have been fortunate to be coached by coach George Lwandamina, Wedson Nyirenda, Beston Chambeshi, and Sven Vandenbroek. The four coaches have some similar approaches to the game. They all believe in having defenders who are intelligent, fast, mobile, and with great aerial prowess.

I have always had these qualities but I think the four coaches have sharpened my skills further and helped me grow more in the game.”

Despite being at one of the elite clubs in the country, 23-year-old Sakala is still not yet satisfied with what he has achieved thus far.

“I think I need more game time to know that I am doing very well. This was the feeling when I just signed for ZESCO because I was given a lot of game time. This has changed a bit because I am often in and out of the team.

My focus is to fight for a permanent place in the first eleven which I think I will get if I continue working hard. I am happy to have played two of our last games in the league. It is a sign that the coach has confidence in me.”

Sakala may not be a regular in the ZESCO United first team, however, it is only a matter of time before the former U-20 Africa Cup and COSAFA Cup winning captain cemented his place in ZESCO United’s defense.

Author: Desmond Katongo