The Amakhosi midfielder was excused from training on Monday after seeking permission from coach Ernst Middendorp to take care of this personal matter.

Arthur and his late grandmother shared a close relationship as Arthur spent most of his childhood being minded by his grandmother, as his mother was the sole bread winner of the house and was out working for most of the time.

Arthur who is the eldest of five children which includes his brother Ivan who currently earns his livelihood playing for another PSL team Dynamos.

Arthur spent his first pay cheque on purchasing a house for his mother and grandmother when he signed his first contract as a professional footballer back in 1993. Back in 1993 when he purchased a home for his mother and grandmother, Arthur was at 20 years old only at the beginning of his illustrious career, which blossomed under the guardianship of his grandmother.

The passing of his grandmother will take Arthur some time to come to terms with as he explains winning the ABSA Cup Final next week is what she would have wanted.

Arthur said “Every time I played a match from the time I was still in primary school, she was always interested in how I did and in her own special way she would give me advice on how to cope with the pressures I was under.

Especially during the 2003 – 2004 season when I went through some rough days she helped me be strong and come through them”.

The funeral service for Josephina is scheduled to take place some time later this week and will be held at the home in Soweto.