Moroka Swallows assistant coach Dennis Lota passed away on Tuesday at the age of 40.
The former striker was admitted to a hospital in Johannesburg over the weekend for a minor illness but died in the early hours of Tuesday evening.
Swallows spokesperson Sipho Xulu said the former Zambia and Orlando Pirates striker died on Tuesday after a short illness since his return from his home country a trip home two weeks ago.
Xulu could not confirm the circumstances of Lota’s death, but said a statement would be released later on Wednesday.
Lota, who earned his nickname – Chesa Mpama – after his goal celebration of rubbing his hands together, played more than a hundred games for Orlando Pirates between 1998 and 2002, and scored 33 goals.
Lota played for Chipolopolo, Zambia’s Africa Cup of Nations squad in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002.
He moved to Moroka Swallows in 2004, and also played for Mpumalanga Black Aces, Witbank Aces, FC AK, Amazulu and Dangerous Darkies.
In 2011, Lota was made first team assistant coach at Swallows, after being a reserve for the second team.
“Following consultations with the family it has been agreed that he be laid to rest here. The burial proceedings will start off at the Harvest Time Dome in Claremont before we then proceed to the burial at West Park just before midday,” said John Mphatsoe the family spokesperson.
