Keryn Jordan and his family moved to New Zealand in 2004, where he became a prolific goal scorer for Auckland City.
He scored 61 goals in 79 matches for the club, helping Auckland to three NZFC and two O-League titles before retiring in 2010 with an on-going knee injury.
He started his career at Supersport United, before transferring to Manning Rangers where he won the golden boot during the 1997/98 Premier Soccer League season with 11 goals. In the 2003/04 season he also led with eight goals.
Jordan, who was 37, returned to South Africa earlier this year to continue his treatment.
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund described him as a player whose contribution on the field touched the lives of many people.
"It is with great sadness that I have heard of the passing of former Bafana Bafana player Keryn Jordan this morning," Igesund said on Monday.
Brave
​"On the field, Keryn was always a player who gave 100 percent for his team and it is not surprising that he is one of a handful of South African players to have played at the Fifa Club World Cup.
"More importantly though, he touched the lives of many thousands of South Africans and New Zealanders with the brave way in which he fought his illness – in the process being an inspiration to many."
Igesund said on behalf of the South African Football Association and all soccer lovers in the country, he was immensely hurt by the loss of such a young life.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Sherri and Liam and the rest of his family in these trying times." – Sapa