.Lota

By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –

FORMER Zambia international Dennis ‘Chesa Mpama’ Lota, 40, has died.

Lota, who was assistant coach for a South African PSL club Moroka Swallows, died on Tuesday at Hellen John Hospital in Johannesburg where he was admitted for malaria.

Family spokesperson John Mphasoe confirmed Lota’s passing in an interview from South Africa yesterday and that funeral is being held at his residence in Johannesburg.

Mphasoe said the family will issue a statement on funeral arrangements and burial programme later.

On Thursday last week, Lota was on the Moroka Swallows technical bench when his side lost 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in an Absa PSL midweek fixture.

The late Lota, who was in the country last month to attend CAF A license coaching course that was facilitated by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), leaves behind a wife and four children.

Lota donned Chipolopolo colours between 1995 and 2002, featuring in four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002 after rising through the Zambia Under-20 and Under-23 national teams’ ranks.

Lota starred alongside current Power Dynamos Coach Tenant Chilumba, Joel Bwalya and Happy Sichikolo at Under-23 level.

He helped the nation win bronze at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa by scoring three goals in the tournament.

On home soil, he played for Zanaco, Nchanga Rangers, Kabwe Warriors and Konkola Blades where his prolific exploits were recognised before he moved to South Africa where he played over a hundred games for Orlando Pirates between 1998 and 2002.

He also had spells at a number of other South African clubs including Moroka Swallows, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Witbank Aces, FC AK, Amazulu and Dangerous Darkies.