Bradley Grobler mourns the passing of his father, Moroka Swallows legend Les Grobler, hours before his Stellenbosch FC side face Durban City in the Carling Knockout Last 16 match in Durban.

Image: Backpagepix

South African football has been plunged into mourning following the sad passing of Moroka Swallows legend Les Grobler, with the tragedy leaving Stellenbosch FC striker Bradley Grobler set to miss Wednesday night's Carling Knockout clash against Durban City.

The Carling match is ata Chatsworth Stadium, Durban south and kicks-off at 7pm.

The heartbreaking news deals a severe blow to Stellies on the pitch, but the loss cuts far deeper off it.

Les was not just a father to Bradley as it is well-documented knowledge that Les was his son's very first coach from the age of three right up until the marksman signed his first professional contract at 19. It was a rare, lifelong footballing bond built on deep devotion and mentorship.

During his own heyday in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Les forged a fierce reputation as a rugged, clinical forward for Moroka Swallows. His aerial dominance and knack for popping up with crucial cup goals made him a household name in the old National Soccer League (NSL), famously helping the Birds lift the 1989 Mainstay Cup.

That killer instinct inside the box was passed down directly to Bradley. Under his father's watchful eye, the younger Grobler blossomed into one of the deadliest finishers in Premier Soccer League (PSL) history.

Over an illustrious top-flight career spanning Silver Stars, SuperSport United, and now Stellenbosch, Bradley cemented his status among the PSL's all-time elite goalscorers, having long breached the prestigious 100-goal mark.

As Stellies prepare to take to the field without their veteran talisman, tributes continue to pour in for a father and son combo that played their special part in shaping local football history.