Fashion Sakala said he felt ‘like a footballer again’ after another impressive contribution last weekend at Tannadice.
His magnificent run and clipped volley finish inspired Rangers to victory over Dundee United - and his effectiveness has proved pivotal to Michael Beale’s promising beginning. Sakala's resurgence has coincided with the return of a familiar face to the dugout, and he has gone from the periphery to the starting XI.
There were murmurings towards the end of the summer transfer window that Sakala was being ushered towards the exit. The outlook for the Zambian, marginalised and used sparingly by Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, appeared bleak. His limited game time was a source of frustration, and his erraticness seemed incompatible with a manager preoccupied with structure and control.
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Sakala’s ability to frustrate and thrill, often in equal measure, can lead to teammate irritation. His output can lurk from the ridiculous to the sublime, yet his directness is a constant source of agitation for flustered defenders. The 25-year-old is unperturbed by an errant touch, wayward pass or squandered opportunity, and he is blossoming under a manager willing to embrace his attributes and forgive shortcomings.
The Zambian was never likely to give up on his Rangers career without a fight; he rejected clubs in major European leagues and more lucrative contracts to move to Scotland. Cementing a starting spot has proved problematic, but his upturn in performances - including a starring second-half role against Celtic a fortnight ago - has enhanced his standing and redefined his usefulness.
Michael Beale full of praise for his players tonight 💙
Sakala is a bubbly character, an optimistic fellow, yet behind the infectious smile is a steely resolve. During childhood, he was not simply preoccupied with thoughts of the beautiful game; he also hunted for food to help feed his family in the small rural village of Kawele on the outskirts of Chipata. Even poverty and limited opportunities could not prevent the single-minded dreamer from prospering and becoming a national icon.
Sakala is not a polished and refined product from a distinguished academy, instead, he is a rough diamond that performs on instinct. While youngsters were honing their skills in a forgiving environment, a 20-year-old Zambian was thousands of miles from home trying to forge a career at Spartak Moscow. His route to the top has been unconventional, he has taken the scenic route, and it was only a move to KV Oostende in Belgium that allowed him to gain traction.
In his last six outings, Sakala has scored three times and assisted twice. He has embraced the managerial change and capitalised on a second chance to succeed at Ibrox. Is he the long-term solution to the long-standing right-forward problem? Probably not, but an opening on the opposite flank, his preferred position, may offer further opportunity if Ryan Kent leaves under freedom of contract at the end of the season.
There are similarities in gamestyle between Sakala and former fan-favourite Nacho Novo - although the former has some way to travel to emulate the Spaniard’s uncanny knack of notching vital goals on the biggest of occasions. At 25, Sakala is some distance from the finished article, he remains a work in progress, but Beale appears determined to persevere.
A summer reshuffle is on the way at Rangers, and Sakala will expect to remain in Govan. Sakala may not always be a starter, but his skill set, coupled with the introduction of five substitutes, has ensured he always has a role to play. His backstory has struck a chord with the Ibrox faithful, and rarely has a player been so emboldened by a personalised fan chant.
Sakala is humble, grateful and fixated on being the best he can be. His Rangers career has been stop-start, but he is finally moving in the right direction again.
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