SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan has sent his condolences to the Molemela family following the passing on of former Bloemfontein Celtic owner, Dr Petrus Rantlai Molemela.
The Free State outfit confirmed that the life-time President had passed away on Sunday morning.
"This is a huge blow for the game of football. Here is an individual who shaped our game and contributed massively before and after the new political dispensation. This man was among the giants of football in South Africa," Jordaan said in a statement released by SAFA.
"In Ntate Molemela there were no dull moments and when the history of the sport is written, here is one individual whose name will feature prominently as one that played a critical role before and after the dawn of the new South Africa.
"I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the football family, to comfort his family, friends and football community; because here is a man who influenced the path of the sport in the country.
"We are all devastated but Dr Molemela's spirit will live with us forever," added Dr Jordaan.
