English Premier League side Aston Villa has paid tribute to one of its first African players, Zambian football legend Freddie Mwila, who died on Monday in Lusaka.
In a statement made available to bolanews.co, the club said it was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Freddie Mwila, who has died at the age of 80.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Freddie’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Mwila made one appearance for Aston Villa in the English Second Division in 1969 after joining the club from Atlanta Chiefs on a two-year contract. However, he cut short his stay midway through the contract and returned to Zambia.
Alongside fellow Zambian Emment Kapangwe, Mwila had impressed during their time at the American club, Atlanta Chiefs, prompting Villa manager Tommy Docherty to sign both players in August 1969.
The duo turned professional in October, with Mwila making his debut in a goalless draw against Blackpool at Villa Park on November 15. That proved to be his only first-team appearance for the club.
With Villa struggling near the bottom of the old Second Division, Docherty was sacked in January 1970, and both Mwila and Kapangwe returned to Zambia at the end of the season.
