Former South Africa junior international Luke Fleurs, who played for the country’s most popular club Kaizer Chiefs, has been killed in an attempted hijacking in Johannesburg, police officials confirmed on Thursday (Apr 4).

The 24-year-old was shot in the chest at a petrol station on Wednesday night and the assailants drove off in his vehicle.

"While waiting to be served by the petrol attendant, he was confronted by two armed males," police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told reporters, adding no arrests had yet been made.

Centre-back Fleurs played every minute for South Africa at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, and that same year was called up to the senior team for World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia, though he did not make it off the bench and was uncapped.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-mysterious-deaths-of-3-kansas-city-chiefs-fans-found-frozen-outside-friends-home-683287">Also read | Explained: Mysterious deaths of three football fans found ‘frozen’ in friend’s backyard</a>

"We woke up to the heartbreaking and devastating news of the passing of this young life. This is such a huge loss for his family, friends, his teammates and football in general. We are all grieving this young man’s passing," South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan said in a statement.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts &amp; Culture, Zizi Kodwa said he was "saddened that yet another life has been cut short due to violent crime".

Fleurs joined Chiefs from SuperSport United in October, having come through the Ubuntu Football Academy in Cape Town. 
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Former South Africa junior international Luke Fleurs, who played for the country’s most popular club Kaizer Chiefs, has been killed in an attempted hijacking in Johannesburg, police officials confirmed on Thursday (Apr 4).

Former South Africa junior international Luke Fleurs, who played for the country’s most popular club Kaizer Chiefs, has been killed in an attempted hijacking in Johannesburg, police officials confirmed on Thursday (Apr 4). The 24-year-old was shot in the chest at a petrol station on Wednesday night and the assailants drove off in his vehicle. "While waiting to be served by the petrol attendant, he was confronted by two armed males," police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told reporters, adding no arrests had yet been made. Centre-back Fleurs played every minute for South Africa at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, and that same year was called up to the senior team for World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia, though he did not make it off the bench and was uncapped. Also read | Explained: Mysterious deaths of three football fans found ‘frozen’ in friend’s backyard "We woke up to the heartbreaking and devastating news of the passing of this young life. This is such a huge loss for his family, friends, his teammates and football in general. We are all grieving this young man’s passing," South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan said in a statement. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Zizi Kodwa said he was "saddened that yet another life has been cut short due to violent crime". Fleurs joined Chiefs from SuperSport United in October, having come through the Ubuntu Football Academy in Cape Town.

South African footballer Luke Fleurs shot dead in car hijacking

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya could trade her running shoes for soccer boots as early as next year after the 28-year-old signed for South African women's club JVW FC.

The South African athlete will not be able to defend her 800 metres title at the world championships later this month after the Swiss Federal Tribunal reversed a ruling that temporarily lifted testosterone regulations imposed on her.

Her latest move suggests that Semenya could potentially be preparing for a career outside of athletics.

"I'm grateful for this opportunity and I appreciate the love and support I already get from the team. I'm looking forward to this new journey and hopefully I can contribute as much as I can to the club," Semenya said in a statement on JVW's website.

Although Semenya will not be registered for the current SAFA Sasol League season, she will continue to train with JVW in preparation for a 2020 debut in the country's top tier.

Semenya is appealing the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling that supported regulations introduced by the sport's governing body, the IAAF.

South Africa women's captain Janine van Wyk, who owns the club, said she was delighted to have signed Semenya who took part in a practice session on Tuesday.

"I am absolutely honoured that out of all the other women's clubs around the world, she has chosen JVW as the club where she would like to start showcasing her football skills," she said.

"I look forward to her working with Coach Ciara (Picco) and our first team where I'm sure she will sharpen up and get ready to play in 2020."

Semenya is not the first athlete in recent times to try to kick-start a soccer career, with Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt securing a trial at Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners last year.

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya could trade her running shoes for soccer boots as early as next year after the 28-year-old signed for South African women's club JVW FC.

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya could trade her running shoes for soccer boots as early as next year after the 28-year-old signed for South African women's club JVW FC. The South African athlete will not be able to defend her 800 metres title at the world championships later this month after the Swiss Federal Tribunal reversed a ruling that temporarily lifted testosterone regulations imposed on her. Her latest move suggests that Semenya could potentially be preparing for a career outside of athletics. "I'm grateful for this opportunity and I appreciate the love and support I already get from the team. I'm looking forward to this new journey and hopefully I can contribute as much as I can to the club," Semenya said in a statement on JVW's website. Although Semenya will not be registered for the current SAFA Sasol League season, she will continue to train with JVW in preparation for a 2020 debut in the country's top tier. Semenya is appealing the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling that supported regulations introduced by the sport's governing body, the IAAF. South Africa women's captain Janine van Wyk, who owns the club, said she was delighted to have signed Semenya who took part in a practice session on Tuesday. "I am absolutely honoured that out of all the other women's clubs around the world, she has chosen JVW as the club where she would like to start showcasing her football skills," she said. "I look forward to her working with Coach Ciara (Picco) and our first team where I'm sure she will sharpen up and get ready to play in 2020." Semenya is not the first athlete in recent times to try to kick-start a soccer career, with Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt securing a trial at Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners last year.

Caster Semenya eyes 'new journey' after signing for South African women's football club JVW

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South African footballer Luke Fleurs shot dead in car hijacking

Caster Semenya eyes 'new journey' after signing for South African women's football club JVW