S Africa football captain Senzo Meyiwa shot dead

Media captio

South Africa's football coach Ephraim South Africa's football captain Senzo Meyiwa has died after being shot during a burglary, police say.

He was reportedly attacked after men entered his girlfriend's house in Vosloorus, south of Johannesburg.

His agent described him as a humble man from a tough background who had become a "hero in everyone's eyes".

The 27-year-old was the goalkeeper for Orlando Pirates and had played in South Africa's last four Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

On Saturday, he was in action for his club, when they progressed to the semi-finals of the South African League Cup, beating Ajax Cape Town 4-1.

Reward offered

In a statement, the South African Police Service said two men had entered the house, around 20:00 (18:00 GMT), demanding mobiles phones and valuables. A third man remained outside.

Reports said Meyiwa may have been trying to defend his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo

All three fled on foot after shots were fired.

The footballer may have been trying to defend his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo, a South African singer and celebrity, when he was shot, reports said.

He was declared dead on arrival at hospital.

Media captionPolice say South African footballer Senzo Meyiwa was shot during a robbery whilst visiting friends

Police said on Sunday evening that they were breaking protocol to announce his death so soon after the shooting.

Relatives and fans gathered outside the hospital and Ms Khumalo's house to grieve over Meyiwa's death.