Fashion Sakala, Al Fayha’s Zambia international striker, is about to make his 100th Saudi Pro League appearance for the Al Majma’ah club, where he is the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
According to OneFootball, the Zambia international striker is on the verge of making his 100th Roshn Saudi League appearance in an Al Fayha shirt, which would make him only the fifth player to reach that tally for the Al Majma’ah club.
The milestone comes in a season that has so far been quiet on the scoresheet: the former Rangers player has scored just one goal in his first eight matches, against Al Kholood, a game in which he was named man of the match. He has also extended his Al Fayha contract until 2029.
A flying start at Rangers
Arriving from Scottish side Rangers before the 2023-24 season, Fashion Sakala established himself among the Saudi league’s strikers. According to OneFootball, he scored 19 goals that campaign, finishing third in the scoring charts behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
With 41 goals in 99 Saudi Pro League matches, he is Al Fayha’s all-time leading scorer in the competition, again according to OneFootball.
“Al Fayha has become my home”
In comments reported by OneFootball, the player speaks of his attachment to the club. “Al Fayha has become my home and part of my family. To be honest, I had a lot of offers from different clubs, but there was no club where I saw myself fitting in,” he said.
“But the love I have felt at Al Fayha is something I have never experienced, especially from the board and management. That is something money can’t buy,” he continues. He adds that he told his entourage: “I told my manager that whatever final offer Al Fayha gave me, I would accept it. It was a very easy decision because I am happy here.”
OneFootball also describes a player who is very popular in Saudi Arabia, admired for his personality and his integration, notably during Saudi National Day.
Getting back on track after one goal in eight matches
The immediate context remains on the pitch. With just one goal in eight matches this season, Fashion Sakala is well short of his first-year rhythm, and his aim is to kickstart his season on the occasion of this 100th appearance.
He was named man of the match against Al Kholood, the game in which he scored his only goal of the season, according to OneFootball.
Fashion Sakala’s 100th Saudi Pro League appearance for Al Fayha has not yet been played: it is still to come.