Retired South Africa national football team legendary striker Phil Masinga died on Sunday morning.
Buddha Mathathe‚ the president of the South African Masters and Legend Football Association‚ confirmed the death of the player who scored the goal that took Bafana Bafana to the 2008 FIFA World Cup.
Masinga passed away at a Parktown hospital on Sunday morning after a long illness.
Budda Mathathe, President of South African Masters and Legend Football Association
He is gone. Our legend is gone…….It is not right.
It is such tragic loss for the family and for the entire country.
He is no ordinary legend‚ he was an international legend
Masinga was admitted into Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp last month and then later moved to Parktown.
The lanky 49-year old earned more than 50 caps for Bafana Bafana.
His scintillating goal from 30 yards against Congo drove got South Africa to a maiden appearance at the World Cup in 1998, hosted by France.
Masinga‚ played in England‚ Switzerland‚ Italy‚ Mamelodi Sundowns‚ Leeds United‚ Jomo Cosmos‚ among many others‚ was also part of the Bafana squad that won the African Nations Cup in 1996.
In December 1994, Masinga’s goal ended Leeds’ 19-year wait for a victory over Arsenal at Highbury. The following month, he scored a nine-minute hat-trick in an FA Cup win over Walsall, coming off the bench to win the tie in extra-time.
The footballing fraternity has joined hands in mourning the former footballer whose burial arrangements have not been confirmed.
Strive and Live Magazine
After battling with illness, the legend Phil Masinga has rested. A life well lived. Thank you for all your contributions to soccer and for teaching us all that life is about living out the best version of yourself and not just existing.
Rest In Peace Phil Masinga We appreciate your contribution towards football and the lives you inspired.
Maokeng Stem Expoo
FIFA World Cup
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Phil Masinga who has passed away aged 49.
Soccer Laduma
The Bafana Bafana legend has sadly passed away at the age of 49. Soccer Laduma would like to extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Masinga family during this difficult period.
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club
Mamelodi Sundowns, on behalf of its President Dr Patrice Motsepe, the Board, Technical Team, players and supporters expresses its deepest condolences on the passing on of Phil Masinga.
Mazola J. Molefe
Phil Masinga has died. What a tragedy – true legend, rare breed
Orlando Pirates Football Club
We are saddened by the news of the passing of former Bafana Bafana
Bstriker Phil Masinga. South African football has lost one of its most favourite sons. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends & the football fraternity.
Anthony Baffoe, CAF Official
We have lost another hero-Phil Masinga just passed away-Rest well Phil..May your soul rest in perfect peac
Collions Okinyo, football journalist
Golden memories from the Bafana Bafana Golden Generation the beautiful goal the late Phil Masinga scored against Congo Brazzaville in 1997 sending Bafana Bafana to their first ever World Cup 1998 in France.
The Square Ball
Although Phil Masinga’s success with Leeds United Football ClubC may have been modest in relative terms, he was a legend in his homeland and he’ll always be a wonderful part of our folklore. RIP Chippa
Leeds United Football Club
It is with great sadness that the club has learnt of former striker Phil Masinga’s passing. The thoughts of everyone at Leed United Football Club are with his family and friends
Bafana Bafana
Sad day for South African football. A loyal servant of the game, on and off the field of play – SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan on passing away of Bafana Bafana legend Phil Masinga
Joe Crann
So very, very sad to hear that former Bafana Bafanaa, Mamelodi Sundowns and Leeds United striker, Phil Masinga, has passed away after a long illness. The man who scored the goal that took South Africa to their first World Cup will always be remembered fondly.
Jake Humphrey
RIP Phil Masinga. 49 is no age.
Melissa Reddy
RIP Phil Masinga. So crucial to so many big moments, giving rise to so many big smiles. Glittered in a golden age. A loss that will not only be felt in South Africa, but also on the continent, in Leeds and everywhere else that was fortunate to witness his love for the game.
Proper Football
Very sad news that former Leeds United striker Phil Masinga has passed away. A fun addition to the Premier League in the 90s. And as Thunderbastards go, this one to send South Africa to World Cup 98 was about as historic as it gets.
Economic Freedom Fighters
The EFF sends condolences on the passing of Phil Masinga.
Motaung Wa Ramokhele
The will be no other deadly field combination in the bafana squad like Philemon “Phil” Masinga & Doctor “16V” Khumalo Yessses my childhood was a bliss RIP Phil Masinga a Legend!!!
Mark Fish, former South African football captain
To hear you have gone my brother my friend PHIL MASINGA saddens me more than you can imagine…I thank you for the awesome memories on and off the field…Condolences to the Masinga family and May Phil’s soul Rest In Peace…We shall meet again my teammate for life…love you!!
Thomas Mlambo
Phil Masinga had passed away A servant to the game , a man whose contribution to the game is immeasurable, the doors he helped unlock for those to follow remain wide open … Thank you Chippa.
