Former South African international defender Mark Fish was on Tuesday recovering from a mild heart attack sustained two days earlier, Netwerk24 reports.

The 40-year-old was quoted as saying that he had been beset by pains in his chest and back on Sunday morning and was rushed to hospital.

"I woke up my fiancé, Salome Jansen van Rensburg. She said I looked pale and insisted that we go to the hospital," Fish said.

"I was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. They did a gastroscopy and angiogram. We're waiting for the results to determine the cause of the heart attack.

"I'm glad it's over and that the tests have been done. I want to start taking better care of myself."

Fish starred for Bafana Bafana when the South Africans won the 1996 African Cup of Nations tournament.

He also enjoyed successful spells playing in England for Bolton and Charlton before returning to club football in South Africa prior to his retirement in 2011.