Former Zambia international Philemon Mulala is mauled to death by his three pet dogs in his garden

Philemon Mulala has died aged 60, after his wife found him in his own back garden having been bitten by his own dogs. 

The former Zambian international footballer was declared dead on the scene on Saturday, January 7, in Lichtenburg, South Africa.

Tribute has been paid to the ex-Copper Bullets star, who spent time with Mufulira Wanderers and Cape Town Spurs in his playing days.

The three dogs have since been removed from the property by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

A police statement, read by spokesperson Sam Tsulanyane, described the circumstances in which his body was found by his wife.

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.

The General Secretary of the Zambian football association said the country remains ‘with wonderful memories’ of the deceased player

‘She then went outside, only to find that the husband was bitten by their dogs.’

In six appearances for Zambia, he managed three goals, and played a number of positions throughout his career, including left back and right-wing.

Arguably the defining moment of his career came when he scored a brace against Kenya in the semi-final of the East and Central African Championship (CECAFA), which his side would go on to win. 

And the Zambian FA were quick to pay tribute to their deceased former player, who helped bring them their first piece of silverware. 

Avram Grant has recently taken over the team ranked 88th in the world by FIFA

Spokesperson Sydney Mungala said: ‘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.’

And 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.’