‘Favour’ – The Unique Zambian celebration

Zambia Chipolopolo will be all out motivated to continue with their unique ‘favour’ celebrations when the Sixth Edition of the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2020 enters the second day of the knock-out stage on Sunday (31 January 2021).

Zambia will battle defending champions Morocco in a quarter-final match at the Reunification Stadium in Douala, Cameroon in what promises to be a thriller.

Besides the many different styles of celebration that have been on display at the competition, the Chipolopolo have stood out with their simple but unique ‘favour’ celebrations.

When entering the pitch ahead of a match, the players and officials use the entry theme of putting their hands on their heads and when they score a goal they celebrate in the same style. The celebration style is called ‘favour’.

Adrian Chama, the team captain explained that putting their hands on their heads means asking for favour from God as they enter the pitch to play, and they also do the same when they are blessed with goals. “Calling upon God’s favour to be upon us is basically what the celebration means,” added the skipper.

Chama says they are hoping that they can battle through in the tournament so that they can continue showcasing their ‘favour’ celebrations.

Spencer Sautu who scored Zambia’s goal in the draw against Guinea says the ‘favour’ celebration keeps them together because all players are determined to ask for more favour from God.

Although Chama says this kind of celebrations have been part of Zambian football for some time now, it is a Pentecostal sign of favour from God.

It was introduced by former Nkana FC coach Masauso Mwale and it was used by his team. Although Mwale died in a car accident in May 2014, his style of celebration remains part of Zambian football.