Unsung SA football hero passes away

Cape Town - South African footballer Dougie Carelse has passed away at 72-years-old.

Carelse - father of former Ajax Cape Town midfielder Brent - was diagnosed with cancer early last year.

One of the games unsung heroes donned the colours of Cape Town Spurs and Vereeniging Old Boys during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Carelse, who played in both defence and midfielder, also played in Europe.

Following a glittering career under the Apartheid regime, Dougie went on to coach and influenced his son (Brent) to pursue a career in football.

Dougie passed away at his home in Heathfield. He is survived by his five children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.