Rough edges, unpredictable, dangerous, direct – just some of the words used to describe Rangers’ Fashion Sakala.
At times very effective, at other times very frustrating, the Zambian still has work to do to hone his skills. That is something that will receive almost universal agreement from the Rangers supporters.
However, his first season stats were more than very decent as reflected in this ‘pizza plot’ from analyst, Marc P Lamberts.
In this instance, Sakala’s numbers are ranked alongside other SPFL Premiership strikers, with impressive output given his relative time on the pitch.
F. Sakala – Rangers
ST
21/22 https://t.co/HhkHiZAX1a pic.twitter.com/AMMwVjcm3o— Marc P. Lamberts (@lambertsmarc) June 7, 2022
Over the course of 21/22, Sakala on nine league goals, matched the combined total of Ryan Kent, Scott Wright and Amad. That is a striking stat from both perspectives.
In total, the Zambian returned 12 goals with seven assists. More than acceptable in his first term at Ibrox.
2023 AFCON Qualifier Match
HALF-TIME: Zambia 1-1 Comoros
Enock Mwepu 45' | El-Fardou Ben Mohamed 13' pic.twitter.com/5l5RayjWZk
— FAZ (@FAZFootball) June 7, 2022
Earlier on Tuesday, the Chipolopolo Boys secured a 2-1 victory over Comoros with the Rangers man playing the full game. He hit the post in the first half, prior to the equaliser for Zambia.
That was another AFCON qualifier, coming after their 1-3 loss to Ivory Coast last Friday.
Progress
Going into the close-season period, the former Oostende attacker will have plenty to consider and concentrate on, now that he has an understanding of life at Rangers and the particular demands that come at the club.
Working under Steven Gerrard and now, Giovanni van Bronckhorst should have the player working smarter and harder in his pursuit of success on the pitch. His game intelligence and awareness has to improve but that is something that Roy Makaay will have earmarked for the Zambian. If anything, the competition and pressure will increase, as Rangers aim to make the step-up to the next level, collectively.
Sakala has plenty to offer, but can he develop further to stay relevant in the squad? All that and more will be revealed in the months ahead.