PRETORIA Cardinals Softball side great and prominent administrator Charles "Senior" Machaba, who started out as a boxer, has died.

Machaba was part of the all-conquering Cardinals team that swept the boards in the 1960s and 1970s.

Sowetan founding editor Joe Latakgomo, who worked with Machaba in softball administration matters, described his death as a loss to the game in Atteridgeville.

"Charles was a competent amateur boxer, but it was in softball that he made his mark.

"After his playing career he became an official of the Northern Transvaal Softball Union, of which he became president until he retired due to ill health. However, he was always present at the Atteridgeville diamonds to cheer on young players and pass on hints and tips on the fine points of the game.

"Many of the younger players will remember Pioneers' pitcher Prince Machaba, his son, to whom Bra Charles passed the baton."

Machaba will be buried at the Atteridgeville Cemetery on Saturday. The funeral service will take place at the Lutheran Church, JM Masipa parish, at 73 Tlale Street between 8am and 10am.