South African legend, Phil Masinga dies at 49

The South African football fraternity was yesterday plunged into mourning following news of the death of former Bafana Bafana striker, Philemon Masinga. Masinga was last month admitted into hospital after an undisclosed illness.

He was reportedly recovering well in hospital but news received yesterday left the South African football fraternity in a state of shock.

South Africa Football Association (SAFA) president, Danny Jordaan was quoted as having described Masinga’s death as a sad day for South African football, describing the former Bafana Bafana striker as a loyal servant of the game on and off the field of play.

Masinga made 58 appearances for the South African national side, where he also lifted the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations title.

The former Leeds United striker also scored the famous goal against the Republic of the Congo to send Bafana Bafana to the 1998 World Cup.

Social media was awash with condolence messages with fans plunged into sadness by the sudden passing on of a Bafana Bafana great.

Masinga will be remembered for his role with Bafana Bafana as well as worthy contributions at Leeds United in the English Premiership, as well as Bari in Italy.

Leeds United, FIFA and the South African Premier Soccer League were just a few of many to send condolence messages to the Masinga family.