SPIRIT OF SALA IS DELIVERING MAGIC

THE tragic loss of Cardiff City’s marksman, Emiliano Sala, is devastating, and the manner in which it happened was traumatic.

Sala died in a plane crash after his career-defining move to Cardiff in the English Premier League. His family and Cardiff had to wait a while before his body was found.

Sala was destined for greatness. He dazzled for Nantes in France, banging in 42 goals in 120 appearances for the club.

The Argentinian poacher finished as Nantes’ top goalscorer in three successive seasons before he signed for Cardiff. We didn’t see much of his talent due to the fact that the French Ligue 1 is not on DStv in South Africa, but his numbers in the past three seasons mark him as a striker.

Cardiff were banking on his goal-scoring prowess to survive relegation and keep their status in the League. They broke the bank to land his services.

They are were languishing at the bottom of the table, but this weekend’s victory against Southampton gave them some breathing space.

They climbed the table.

It was a special victory for Cardiff. Southampton were still unbeaten in 2019. Cardiff spoiled that run in dramatic fashion.

They snatched the winner right at the end at St Mary’s. Sol Samba broke the deadlock for Cardiff after 69 minutes, but Southampton restored parity in the 91st minutes through Jack Stephens.

The Danish Kenneth Zohore netted the winner two minutes later. It was the first time Cardiff won back-to-back games in top-flight football since 1962.

The spirit of Sala is already doing magic. They defeated Southampton for the first time in 2019, they won back-to-back games in top-flight football for the first time since 1962 and they also stole victory in the dying minutes.

Cardiff are now 16th on the log, with 25 points after 26 games. There’s still another 12 to go before the season finishes. Cardiff players must just go out there and fight diligently for Sala. They did exactly that against Southampton.

The Bluebirds need more of that. They have showed that they are capable. The spirit of Sala will also come in handy in their relegation fight.

He ran his race. It is up to Cardiff now to finish it. It won’t be easy, but they have what it takes to secure their status in top-flight football.

Rest in peace, Sala!