A rising international football star died in his mother’s arms after he was stabbed repeatedly in a bar fight aged just 19.

Oshwin ‘Ossie’ Andries – captain of South Africa’s U20 squad – was hacked to death following a street fight with a man who had shoved his girlfriend.

After the scrap was over, Ossie went to a local bar, where he was later stabbed repeatedly when the attacker came back with a knife.

Girlfriend Ruche van Rooyen told media in Mandela City, Klapmuts: “Ossie jokingly asked him why he had walked so close to me and he became serious, and the two started fighting.

“The fight was over quickly and Ossie went to the tavern to have a few drinks.”

She added: “He ran through the crowd and stabbed Ossie in the back and head. He stabbed other people in the incident too.

“We then summoned an ambulance that happened to be nearby and Ossie was taken to Stellenbosch Hospital for medical assistance.”

After treatment, doctors sent Ossie home, but he died on 4th February after suffering a seizure, several days after the incident on 29th January.

The young star – who played for South African Premier Division club Stellenbosch FC – died holding his mother’s hand as he was rushed to hospital.

His grieving brother, Lee-Irvin, said: “He was the same everywhere, at home, with friends, on the street.

“There is no other way to describe him except as a loving and kind person. He was a phenomenal human being who cared deeply about others.

“He didn’t even want to open a case after being stabbed.”

Police in Klapmuts are investigating the killing.

At the time of reporting, no arrests had been made.

In a statement, Ossie’s club said: “It is with deep sadness that Stellenbosch FC has learnt of the untimely passing of promising young defender Oshwin Andries.

“The club is not in a position to provide further information at this stage and asks that his family’s privacy is respected in this difficult time of bereavement.

“Andries was a gifted young footballer who graduated from the SFC Academy to make his professional debut at the age of 18.

“He later became the Club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the DStv Premiership and captained South Africa at the recent U-20 AFCON COSAFA qualifiers.

“His presence, both on the pitch and off it, will be sorely missed. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Stellenbosch F.C. are with his family, friends and loved ones.”

And Anroux Marais, the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, said: “Oshwin’s death is a devastating loss to sport in the province.

“He was a beacon of hope to other young players, as he chose to follow his football dreams as a means to future success.

“He had a bright football career ahead of him and I am saddened that his journey was cut short by a senseless act of violence.

“Our condolences go out to Oshwin’s family, friends, football club and athletes.”