From the sublime to the ridiculous, that has often been the case of Fashion Sakala’s time at Ibrox so far given the unpredictable nature of his game.
The Zambian international carries a significant threat in attack which has been utilised to great effect my Michael Beale, transforming his season after being largely frozen out under Gio van Bronckhorst.
Just before the Dutchman’s exit from Ibrox, the dark side of social media reared its head again as rumours quickly spread that Fashion Jnr had died whilst back in his homeland. That was certainly ridiculous.
It was a bit surreal. You know how things grow arms and legs online, but such was the traction meaning Ibrox officials wanted to make contact immediately.
Sakala recalled the situation from late last year:
“I received a call from Gavin the security person at the club and his breathing was very different. I was like, ‘what’s going on?’
“He asked: ‘are you Fashion?’ and I was like, ‘yeah.’ He said: ‘I just saw something on Twitter saying you were dead.’
“I was like, ‘no, I’m still alive. I’m cooking.’ He said: ‘okay, we will speak later’
“I was very surprised. It was funny, but people always have the time to write things. This is not the first time.”
“I’ve had a lot of stories in my own country saying ‘he’s had an accident, he’s dead. He and his wife are dead. I don’t know if they are wishing us dead. I don’t know if it was people from Glasgow who wrote it or people from Zambia because I’ve had it in my own country before.”
Just like that, he takes it in his stride.
Nothing much appears to affect the former Oostende player who lights up those around him with his beaming smile and positivity. That is due to his upbringing and outlook on life.
As you were, Fashion Jnr.