A FORMER Kidderminster cricketer has died after a fatal stabbing in Johannesburg.

Mario Saliwa, who bowled for Kidderminster Victoria Cricket Club first team in 2008, is reported to have died after being stabbed in the South African city on May 31.

When news reached the KVCC, the 31-year-old's former teammates paid tribute to him.

Jonathon Wright, his former skipper, said the loss of Saliwa was a blow for cricket.

"It's terrible, I'm absolutely shocked, it's totally tragic," he said. "Mario was a real gent when he came to play for us. He tried incredibly hard to be part of the cricket club. Culturally. it was a big thing for him being a black South African and English not being his first language, but he made good efforts and was a popular member of the club."

Saliwa was a first-class cricketer who came to KVCC for the 2008 season before having to leave after receiving a partnership in his home country of South Africa.

"He went with our blessing as it was part of his career path, Wright said. "He was a fine cricketer. We were lucky to have him. a quick bowler and had genuine pace. He was very good for us."

While at the Kidderminster club, KVCC president Norman Broadfield said Saliwa's statistics were impressive.

He said: "I remember Mario very well and he was a terrific cricketer for us. He had a terrific season - he took 43 wickets when he was here and performed extremely well. He was one of our best players in recent years. Thirteen times he bowled in 14 games.

"We're very upset to hear all about the incident."

Ian Kimberlin, KVCC's former first team manager, offered his condolences to Saliwa's family on behalf of the club.

He said: "I am sure I speak for everyone connected with KVCC in offering our deepest sympathy to Mario's family and friends at this tragic time. Mario was a fine cricketer who bowled with considerable pace, had high standards on and off the pitch and was a great example to younger players as a fine professional."

Saliwa is the second former KVCC player to be killed in tragic circumstances in three years. Louis Vorster, another South African cricketer who played for the Kidderminster club as well as Worcestershire County Cricket Club around 1988, died in 2012 after being shot in an armed robbery in Pretoria.