Former South Africa defender stabbed to death

Former South Africa defender Jeffrey Ntuka, who joined Chelsea nine years ago, was stabbed to death at a nightclub in Free State town Kroonstad early Saturday, a police spokesman said.

Ntuka, 26, never played for the English Premier League club and after a loan spell with Belgian club Westerlo he returned home to play for leading local sides Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United.

The full-back, who made five senior appearances for his country, could not command a regular place with either team and later had unsuccessful trials in Belgium.