Orlando Pirates top striker Lesley Manyathela, affectionately known as "Slow Poison" died in a car accident on Saturday night on N1 outside Musina, Limpopo police said.
Manyathela was travelling to Musina having represented his top club against Jomo Cosmos in the SAA Supa 8 cup at the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg. Orlando Pirates lost the game 2-1 with Manyethela scoring the Buccaneers goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.
He was travelling with two other people; one was reported to be in a critical condition while the other one sustained slight injuries. The accident happened at 10.30pm.
The charismatic player was born on September 4, 1981 in Limpopo Province.
He played 105 games with his country's youth U-20 and men's national team. He ended the latest season as a leading goal scorer in the South African league. - Sapa