Zambian football is mourning following the death of former national team captain and coach Freddie Mwila Snr. Family spokesperson Lillian Kalikeka has confirmed to FAZ Media that Mwila, 80, died at Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka around 01:00 hours on Monday after suffering a…

Zambian football is mourning following the death of former national team captain and coach Freddie Mwila Snr.

Family spokesperson Lillian Kalikeka has confirmed to FAZ Media that Mwila, 80, died at Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka around 01:00 hours on Monday after suffering a stroke.

Kalikeka said funeral gathering is being held at the family home in Mapepe Farms.

Mwila remains one of the most decorated figures in Zambian football history, both as a player and coach.

As a player, he featured for Rhokana United, now Nkana, before becoming one of the first Zambians to play professional football abroad when he joined American side Atlanta Chiefs in 1967.

He later had a stint with English side Aston Villa, paving the way for future generations of Zambian footballers to play abroad.

As a coach, Mwila etched his name in continental football history when he led Power Dynamos to the 1991 African Cup Winners’ Cup – making Power the first Southern African club to win a continental title.

He also coached the Zambia and Botswana national teams, and several local clubs including Zanaco, Lusaka Dynamos, Nkwazi and Circuit Chiefs.

Mwila is remembered for his contribution to the development of the game spanning over five decades, nurturing talent and raising Zambia’s profile on the international stage.

FAZ and the football family are expected to announce funeral and burial arrangements in due course.