Ex-zambia striker dennis lota dies

Former Zambia striker Dennis Lota has died. The ex-forward, who was an assistant trainer with South African side, Moroka Swallows passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 in Johannesburg after a short illness. He was 40.

Nicknamed ‘Chesa Mpama’ meaning ‘hot slap’ in a local South African language, Zulu, Lota is revered at Orlando Pirates where he proved his striking prowess in over 100 appearances between 1998 and 2002. He was a household name in South Africa, where he spent most of his professional career after stints with Witbank Aces, FC AK, Mpumalanga Black Aces and Amazulu as well as brief spells with FC Sion (Switzerland) and Esperance (Tunisia). Lota made scores of appearances with the Chipolopolo and featured in four successive Africa Cup of Nations; 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002 with four goals to his credit. He was named Assistant trainer of Moroka Swallaows in March 2011, few years after hanging his boots.

He was last seen on the bench of Moroka Swallows during their Premier Soccer League clash with Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday, February 1, in Johannesburg which the latter won 2-0.

On behalf of the CAF Executive Committee and the African football family, CAF President Issa Hayatou expresses his sincerest condolences to the Football Association of Zambia, Moroka Swallows and the bereaved family.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) News