Former waterpolo goalkeeper and long-time coach Charles Mock has died, his son announced on the social media.

"With great sadness, our father Charles Mock passed away peacfully this morning," his son Michael announced.

Mock, who was soon to turn 86, played between the posts with Balluta WPC, now San Giljan ASC, between 1951 and 1973, during which he won the league five times

Coaching took him to Ta’ Xbiex (9 years), Birzebbugia, Sirens, Sliema Minors, Valletta United, Balluta, San Giljan and Neptunes Nursery.

He had won the league with Valletta in 1985.

He had led San Giljan to the league championship in 1993, the last time that waterpolo used to be played at the Marsascala pool.

Charles Mock loved distance swimming. He had crossed the Gozo Channel for four times, the last of which was done at 62 years of age.

Tributes have poured in from the clubs he oplayed for or coached, and also from St Edward's College, where he worked as a teacher.