THE South African soccer family is in mourning following the untimely death of four players in a car accident in Mankweng, Limpopo, yesterday.

The four players were registered with National First Division club Polokwane City, who were previously known as Bay United.

At the time of going to press, the number could still increase as some of the players were still trapped in the club's minibus.

Paramedics from Polokwane were using jaws of life to assist players and officials who were still trapped inside the wrecked minibus.

The players were returning home after a league match against FC AK .

PSL chairman Irvin Khoza was devastated by the news and called it a sad day for South African football. "It's a tragic loss for the South African football family, we extend our condolences to the players and management of the club. We also wish the injured players and officials a speedy recovery," said Khoza, who was last night in touch with City's bosses to comfort them.

Representatives from City were still too traumatised to speak to the media last night, promising to issue a statement later.

Provincial police spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed the death of four players, including one who joined the team early this season from Orlando Pirates.

Mulaudzi could not name the players until their next of kin had been informed.

"Two buses, one carrying Polokwane City players and a bakkie were involved in an accident in Nobody outside Polokwane," he said.

"City were coming from a National First Division league match at Oscar Mphetha Stadium and were escorted by the traffic department from Polokwane municipality.

"The traffic officers attempted to stop a bakkie and the minibus swerved to avoid it. As it was swerving, it collided with a bus carrying members of the Zion Christian Church, who were on their way back to Zimbabwe.

"The minibus carrying the soccer team overturned, killing four players instantly. One of the players is in critical condition at the Mankweng Hospital.

"Six other players are being treated for minor injuries."

This is the second tragedy to have hit the South African soccer fraternity in less than a month. Bafana Bafana assistant coach Thomas Madigage died last month, also after a car accident in Limpopo.