South Africa Mourns as Former Striker Dies

South Africa has been thrown into mourning as the news of the death of former Bafana Bafana striker, Phil Masinga broke out.

Masinga played at Leeds United between 1994 and 1996 and also had spells at St Gallen in Switzerland and Italian clubs Salernitana and Bari.

Former teammate Lucas Radebe, while speaking to the BBC said, “He lost his fight against cancer this morning which is very, very sad for us as a football fraternity,”

“We are mourning the loss of a great legend.”

Former central defender Radebe and striker Masinga were both signed by Leeds in 1994.

“For us as Africans it was a great experience,” Radebe added.

“We weren’t used to the weather and we struggled a little bit – we kept each other warm at times.

“Phil was a big hit with the team and the players. I looked up to him and I think he inspired me the most. It was absolutely great the way he adapted to the situation.

“He was easy to get along with and he was most respected at the club as a person.”

Masinga made his debut for South Africa in July 1992 against Cameroon in his country’s first match following their readmission to international football by FIFA after the end of Apartheid.

He will best be remembered for his goal against Congo, which ensured South Africa qualified for their first World Cup appearance in 1998.