A memorial service will be held for former Orlando Pirates and Highlands Park coach Alex Forbes at the Wanderers club in Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon.
Forbes died last week at the age of 89 after battling prostate cancer for the last six years.
“Alex was a legend at this club, with which he was associated in various manners for almost 50 years,” said Orlando Pirates Football Club in a statement on Monday.
In his playing days from 1944 to 1958, Forbes represented Scotland, and Arsenal in London.
“He was also a legend in British and South African soccer for what he achieved as a player and a coach,” the club said.
Arsenal also paid tribute to Forbes.
“Everyone at Arsenal was saddened to hear the news that Alex Forbes has passed away,” read the statement from the London club.
“He played 240 times for The Gunners, scored 20 goals in a Highbury career that spanned eight years from 1948 to 1956, and was a pivotal influence as a tough-tackling midfielder in the club, winning both the English League and FA Cup titles.”
Forbes immigrated to South Africa in 1963 after persistent knee injuries ended his career as a player.
During a varied coaching career in South Africa, Forbes coached Orlando Pirates, Highlands Park, Johannesburg Rangers, Wanderers and Lenasia club Swaraj.
Apart from his roles in football, Forbes also represented Scotland at ice hockey before coming to South Africa.
