This tragedy has shaken the whole of Zambia…
In the South African Republic, football fans mourn national hero Philemon Mulala († 60).
The attacker made himself immortal when he scored twice in the 1984 CECAFA Cup semi-finals win over Kenya to secure a place in the final. Zambia also triumphed over Malawi in the final, winning a tournament for the first time ever.
Now Mulala has tragically passed away. He was mauled by his dogs and died from the bites.
The serious accident of the ex-professional happened last Saturday in his house in Lichtenburg / South Africa. Mulala had moved to South Africa during his career and continued to live there following his career ended.
Mulala was found dead by his wife in the garden. According to the police report, during the attack she was working on the other side of the house they shared because the electricity was out. Suddenly she heard dogs barking.
Police spokesman Sam Tselanyane: “She didn’t bother to check what was going on as her home is on a busy street and the dogs often bark at pedestrians and passing vehicles.”
And further: “After the electricity was restored, she went into the house and looked for her husband, but might not find him. As the woman continued her search, she saw her husband lying motionless outside in the garden. She then went outside to find her husband had been bitten by their dogs.”
Mulala was part of the acclaimed “Chipolopolo” generation during the 1980s. After Zambia’s independence in 1964, these were the vintages that were able to achieve success for the sovereign state with the national team for the first time. He was also successful at national level with the Mufulira Wanderers.
Sydney Mungala, Zambia spokesman, told ESPN: “It’s such a tragic end. Many who saw him, especially Mufulira Wanderers fans, expressed their sadness. Many remember him from the time he spent with the national team, winning Zambia’s first major title following independence.”