Former South Africa footballer and Leeds star Phil Masinga has died, aged 49. The prolific striker spent two years at Elland Road, but passed away after a long illness. Masinga was a huge name in South African football after becoming one of the first players to establish himself in the top leagues in Europe. He was admitted to hospital in his home town of Klerksdorp last month, before being moved to another site in Johannesburg where he lost his battle for life.
Aside from playing for Leeds, he also spent four years in Serie A with Salernitana and Bari. Masinga was a key part of the Bafana Bafana side which won the African Cup of Nations in 1996, and which finished runners-up two years later. And he earned his place in South African history by scoring the decisive goal against DR Congo which secured qualification for the World Cup in France in 1998. That stunning long range strike saw the country reach the World Cup for the first time, and led to amazing scenes of celebration on and off the pitch. In total he made 58 international appearances for his country, scoring 18 goals. Buddha Mathathe‚ president of the South African Masters and Legend Football Association, said: “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.” Danny Jordaan, the president of the South Africa Football Association and the man behind taking the World Cup to the country in 2010, paid his tribute. He said: “It’s a sad day for South African football. A loyal servant of the game, on and off the field of play.” And Leeds were quick to release a statement on Twitter which read: “It is with great sadness that the club has learnt of the former striker Phil Masinga’s passing. The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with his family and friends.”
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