Philemon Mulala was killed by his dogs

The wife of former Zambian international Philemon Mulala, who was found dead in his backyard after being mauled by his dogs, said she had no idea they would be vicious.

Lillian Chileze revealed that the cross bit his throat and also sustained injuries to his face.

Mulala (60) was pronounced dead at the scene in Lichtenburg, South Africa, on 7 January.

Police said Chileze was busy on the other side of the house when she heard dogs barking.

Chileze said she was baking scones with a family friend on Saturday when she wondered where her husband was and called him.

Then she found him lying face down with his hands covering his face.

Police spokesperson Sam Tselanyane said: “She didn’t bother to check what was going on as her house is on a busy street and the dogs regularly bark at pedestrians and passing vehicles. Also, after the power was restored, she would have gone inside to look for her husband, but she could not find him.”

He added: “She then quickly went outside to find her husband bitten by their dogs – two crossbreeds of Staffies or Pitbulls and a dog of an unknown breed. The police and ambulance were called and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The dogs, named Prosper, Blessing and Bulldozer, have lived with the family since they were puppies.

Pictured: A Pitbull (file photo). According to police, Mulala was bitten by two Staffie or Pitbull crosses and a dog of unknown breed

Chileshe noted that she and her husband both loved the dogs very much.

However, they have since been removed from the property by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Tributes have been paid to the ex-Copper Bullets star who spent time with Mufulira Wanderers and Cape Town Spurs.

Mulala has played in various positions throughout his career, including left back and right wing.

Perhaps the defining moment of his career came when he scored a brace for Zambia in the semi-finals of the East and Central African Championships against Kenya, which his team won.

The general secretary of the Zambia Football Association said the country remains “with wonderful memories” of the late player

The Zambian FA were quick to pay tribute to their former player.

Spokesperson Sydney Mungala said: “It’s such a tragic end. Many who watched him, especially Mufulira Wanderers fans, expressed their sadness.

“Many remember him from the national team days when he won Zambia’s first major silver prize after independence. [Since retiring] he ventured into business in South Africa.’

Adrian Kashala, General Secretary of the Football Association of Zambia said: “We fondly remember the late Philemon honoring us on the field.

“Today’s players can learn a lot from the generation that has passed.”

The Zambian national team is now coached by former Chelsea, Portsmouth and West Ham manager Avram Grant.