Hamza Koya was 61. (Source: Facebook/GokulamKerala)

Hamza Koya, a veteran of Santosh Trophy, died on Saturday at a hospital in Malappuram, Kerala, after testing positive for Covid-19.

The 61-year-old was a veteran footballer of the Malabar region, and had played for Maharashtra in Santosh Trophy in the 1980s. He started his football career with Western Railway and went on to play for other Mumbai clubs like Union Bank, RCF, Tata Sports, and Orkay Mills.

Hamza Koya, a former player of Calicut University football team, was a wingback during his playing days and was called up for the national team camp twice but never played for the country.

We mourn the loss of former footballer Hamza Koya, who lost his battle against COVID-19 in a Malappuram hospital today. He had represented Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy, and had been called up for the National Team camps on 2 occasions.#RestInPeace 💐

📸: Manjappada pic.twitter.com/Y407mXc4j9

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 6, 2020

Along with his family, Hamza Koya had come down to his hometown of Parappanangadi on May 21 and had been under quarantine. His five family members have also tested positive and are undergoing treatment.

“His wife and son tested positive for the virus first in his family. Later, Hamza Koya was also tested positive for the virus and had been under treatment at the medical college,” said Malappuram District Medical Officer Dr K Sakeena.

According to her, all possible medical care was given to the deceased, but he breathed his last early this morning.

“His daughter-in-law and two of his grandchildren have also tested positive and are under medical observation,” Dr Sakeena said.

The mortal remains of the deceased would be buried as per the Covid-19 protocol, sources added.