Manyathela (right) was a player of huge potential

The Orlando Pirates striker Manyathela died instantly when his car overturned near his home town of Messina.

He was driving home after scoring in Pirates' 2-1 Super Eight Cup defeat against Jomo Cosmos in Johannesburg.

Two companions of the 21-year-old were injured, one seriously. Police added that no other vehicle was involved in the accident which happened at 10.30pm local time.

Soccer lovers and many others will feel deeply sad at the untimely death of Lesley Manyathela South Africa president Thabo Mbeki

Manyathela was the leading scorer in South Africa's premier league last season and had been on trial at French champions Lyon earlier last week.

He returned to Pirates after failing a medical, but was due to go for further trials at Dynamo Kiev in the Ukraine.

Manyathela won nine caps for South Africa, scoring three goals, after making his debut in March last year at the age of 20.

He was a prolific goalscorer for South Africa's under-23 team, currently involved in qualifiers for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Man Utd starlet killed in crash

He won two league titles in three years, making his professional debut in September 2000 aged 19. In 63 league and cup games in South Africa, he scored 40 goals.

President Mbeki said: "Soccer lovers and many others over a wide front in our country will feel deeply sad at the untimely death of Lesley Manyathela.