Sata mourns Lota

–President Micheal Sata has sent a message of condolences to the football fraternity and the family of the late former Zambian striker, Dennis Lota.

Mr Sata said the late Lota’s passion and contribution to the growth of sport in the country cannot be over emphasized.

The Head of State said Lota was a great and talented compatriot who flew the Zambian flag higher than the country had expected and imagined in diverse territories or boundaries.

ZANIS Sports reports that the President said this on his face book page today, saying Lota will be deeply missed by many, both home and abroad.

Mr. Sata has since wished the bereaved Lota family fortitude and God’s comfort during this painful period.

And Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, Kalusha Bwalya, has described the news of the passing on of Denis Lota as shocking.

Bwalya said Lota was a servant of Zambian football who has sadly passed away at a time he was starting to scale the football coaching ladder.

The FAZ president said Lota’s commitment and dedication to the game, hard work and admirable humility were hallmarks he carried during his playing days and even in his retirement.

Meanwhile, Morroka Swallows Football Club says the team is devastated by the untimely passing on of its assistant coach, Dennis Lota.

According to the message posted on the club’s website, Morroka Swallows says Lota was a talented great coach and commanded great respect in the dressing room.

Lota, 40 died in the early hours of Tuesday evening after being admitted to a Johannesburg hospital over the weekend after a minor illness.

Until his demise, Lota also known as “Chesa Mpama” was Morroka swallows assistant coach.