Tributes have poured in for South Africa football captain Senzo Meyiwa after he was shot dead in his homeland.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who played for the Orlando Pirates, is believed to have been killed by intruders who entered his girlfriend's home on Sunday following his side's 4-1 victory over Ajax Cape Town.

Meyiwa's national teammate Andile Jali wrote on Twitter: "People of South Africa please tell me this is not true.

"Just got a call and I was sleeping but now I can't sleep because of what I just had. I can't believe this now after talking to him this afternoon but y yyyyyyy."

After hearing the news, former South African footballer Kaizer Motaung said: "We need to thank God for having given us the opportunity to have Senzo in our midst and for him to share his talents."

Ajax Cape Town boss Roger de Sa also took to Twitter to write: "RIP my friend .They say there is always another player . To me there will never be another Senzo .Thank You my Buddy."

RIP my friend .They say there is always another player . To me there will never be another Senzo .Thank You my Buddy pic.twitter.com/eJ5kofGceW

— Roger De Sa (@RogerDe_Sa) October 27, 2014