Ex-Mufulira Wanderers and Zambia striker Paul Chela has died at the age of 50.
His younger brother John confirmed that Chela died on Sunday night at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka after an illness.
“He died last night around 23 hours in Lusaka and funeral is at his residence in Arakan Barracks,” he said.
Chela begun his career at Kafironda Leopards in Mufulira before he was poached by Wanderers.
At Wanderers he played alongside Bilton Musonda, Justin Kunda,Vincent Mutale Allan Kamwanga and Nelson Banda including the
late Abraham Lungu, Alex Musungu and Collins Mbulo who won back-to-back league title in 1995 and 1996 under the late Ashios Melu and his then assistant coach George Lwandamina.
He was a FAZ Super Division golden boot winner in 1995 and 1996 with Mighty and known for his trade mark headers.
Chela retired at Green Buffaloes after 2000 and died as a Zambia Army officer.
He also featured for Zambia in 1998 World Cup qualifiers and COSAFA Cup games.
Chela leaves behind a wife and six children.
Shame. So sad. He was really a prolific player though he never really shone at National Level. MHSRIP
MHSRIEP i hav vivid memories of him scoring headers like no man’s business at Shinde
Comment:on behalf of the imusho’s family i send my heart felt sympathy.
Sad indeed. MHSRIP
Ba LT you should be digging your information deeper. He played for Kafironda Explosives in Kansuswa, in Mufulira and not Kafironda leopards bane. Rest in peace goal poacher till we meet again!
So sad! Paul Chellah was integral in the rise of Mighty in the 90s and the back to back titles in 1995 & 1996. He was a deadly goal poacher! MHRIP