Fashion Sakala congratulated for Rangers hat-trick by Zambian president as he hails 'special welcome' for COP26
Sakala led the Gers to an important victory over Motherwell - the perfect gift for Hakainde Hichilema as he landed in Scotland
Fashion Sakala was on fire for Rangers in Lanarkshire.
Just when he thought his day couldn't get any better, Rangers striker Fashion Sakala has had his goalscoring exploits hailed by high office.
Zambian hitman Sakala notched a hat-trick in the Light Blues' crucial 6-1 win at Motherwell this afternoon.
The result - in which captain James Tavernier, Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe also netted to cancel out Bevis Mugabi's opener for the hosts - put the champions four points clear of Glasgow rivals Celtic at the top of the Premiership.
And his country's president Hakainde Hichilema, in the city for the COP26 climate summit taking place until the end of next month, has thanked Sakala for a good start to his time in Scotland.
The Zambia leader took to Twitter to congratulate the 24-year-old on his three-goal display.
He said: Congratulations @fashionjr10 on your hat-trick for Glasgow Rangers today.
"What a special welcome to Scotland for us."
Striker Sakala, who joined up at Ibrox from Belgium club Oostende in the summer, has two goals in 15 caps for his country and will no doubt be pleased by his president's seal of approval.
After becoming the hero at Fir Park for Steven Gerrard's men, Sakala was hailed by his boss as "unplayable".
Fashion Sakala 'unplayable' as Rangers boss Steven Gerrard hails hat-trick hero after Motherwell massacre
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Gerrard told Sky Sports: "Today at times he was unplayable. He's got that unpredictability about him, and that sheer burning pace.
"He's going to cause teams and individuals a lot of problems."
Clearly delighted with his performance, Sakala said he's going to go to bed tonight cradling the match-ball after his hat-trick magic.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he enthused: "I'm just waiting for the guys to sign it and to be safe, I'll sleep with it today!
"I thank God for my first career hat-trick but first I really appreciate the group of players we have here in this squad and the great group of staff that we have.
"They have been very supportive and have made things easy for me. This is the most important thing for me, even today in the game and I really appreciate them."
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