Football fraternity mourn Lota

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Clik here to view.By ROBINSON KUNDA, VICTOR KUMWENDA and CHISHALA MUSONDA
THE Zambian football fraternity is devastated with the death of former international striker Dennis ‘Chesa Mpama’ Lota.
Lota, who was South African side Moroka Swallows assistant coach, died at his home in Johannesburg on Tuesday night.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Kalusha Bwalya and Minister of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili described Lota’s death as shocking especially that they never heard about his illness.
Kalusha said from Johannesburg yesterday that Lota was a humble man, who believed in hard work.
“He was a humble man and he was always working quietly. I remember him mostly for his performance at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa where he performed very exceptionally,” he said.
With Zambia trailing 0-1 to Egypt in the quarter-finals, Elijah Litana, Vincent Mutale and Lota contributed a goal apiece for the Chipolopolo to win 3-1 and qualify for the semi-finals where they lost 2-4 to Tunisia.
Kalusha said Zambia has lost one of the finest strikers, who wanted to take his career to a higher level through coaching.
Kalusha said the Moroka Swallows family will remember him with passion because he did well for the team both as a player and coach.
Kambwili said the country has been robbed of a person, who brought joy to the nation.
“This is really shocking. I have followed both his playing and coaching career in South Africa and he was someone we were hoping could come back and contribute to the development of Zambian football,” Kambwili said.
Former national team defender Mordon Malitoli expressed shock with Lota’s death.
Former national team coach Patrick Phiri said Lota’s demise is sad.
“He was one of the most disciplined and dedicated players I have ever worked with in my career. I know our words are not enough to console his family but we can only ask God to be with them during these trying moments,” Phiri said.
FAZ technical director Honour Janza said it was difficult to believe especially that Lota was in the country recently to undergo the CAF A licensing course that took place at City La Villa Lodge in Lusaka.
Chipolopolo Soccer Fans Association chairman Yotam Mwanza said Lota was a complete striker, who brought pride to the country.
Former Zambia coach Freddie Mwila described Lota’s death as devastating.
Former Chipolopolo defender Aggrey Chiyangi said Lota was respectful.
Coach Boniface Simutowe said the passing on of Lota is a blow to Zambian football.
Zambia under-17 national team coach Chris Kaunda described Lota’s death as a sad chapter in Zambian football.
Former international midfielder Joel Bwalya, who played alongside Lota at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations said: “It is a tragic to lose him. He had a bright future ahead of him. Lota was one of the finest players. I had the privilege to play with him at national team.”
Another former Chipolopolo striker Kenneth ‘Bubble” Malitoli said: Death has again robbed us of a great footballer. He was one of the great players, especially at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. It is very sad to see one of the great players die. He was a good player and good guy, very humble.”
Nchanga Rangers trustee Jim Chongo posted on his Facebook page: “It is a sad day for football lovers. Dennis played for ‘Brave’ Nchanga Rangers Football Club. We will remember the smiles you put on all Nchanga Rangers supporters and the country at large.”
Former Zambia defender Peter Chitila, who is in the United States, said the demise of Lota was a sad moment for Zambian football.