Zambia's Football Association has paid tribute to Philemon Mulala following his tragic death after being attacked by his own pet dogs.
The 60-year-old former forward was found dead in his own back garden by his wife in Lichtenburg, South Africa. The attack is said to have taken place on Saturday, January 7.
The three dogs at the heart of the attack have since been removed from the property by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A police statement has revealed the full details of Mulala’s tragic death and the circumstances in which the former Copper Bullets and Cape Town Spurs star was found by his wife.
Read by spokesperson Sam Tsulanyane, it read: “She did not bother to go and check what was wrong [when the dogs were barking] as their house is situated on a busy street and the dogs frequently barked at pedestrians and vehicles passing by.
“After the electricity was restored [after loadshedding], she went inside looking for her husband, but could not find him. Upon continuing with her search, the woman saw her husband lying motionless outside in the garden. She then went outside, only to find that the husband was bitten by their dogs.”
Mulala’s wife Lillian Chileshe has told of her grief at the incident having spoken to South African outlet News24. She told how the couple ‘loved’ their three dogs and was shocked at the fact that they had turned on him.
The pair had owned the three animals - named Prosper, Blessing and Bulldozer - since they were puppies.
Tributes have continued to pour in for the six-time Zambian international with the nation’s FA paying kind words to him. A statement read: “It's such a tragic end. Many who watched him, especially fans of Mufulira Wanderers, have been pouring out their grief.
“Many remember him from the national team days, where he won Zambia's first major post-independence silverware. [Since retiring] he had ventured into business in South Africa.”
FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala added: “We remain with wonderful memories that the late Philemon honoured us with on the pitch. There is a lot that today's players can learn from the deceased's generation.”
Mulala lit up football in South Africa in the 1980s having played a role in the Zambia side that won the CECAFA Challenge Cup in 1984 - the country’s first honour post independence. He had scored a brace against Kenya in the semi-final of the competition.
In six appearances for the Zambian national side, Mulala netted three goals having forged a reputation as an extremely versatile player. He played in attack and on both sides of defence during his playing career.
