The South African football fraternity took to social media to mourn the passing of Bafana Bafana legend Phil Masinga.
The 49-year-old was hospitalised in December last year after he was diagnosed with cancer, and passed away at a Johannesburg hospital on Sunday morning.
The striker played for a number of clubs in his career, including the likes of Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, Leeds United and Bari, while represented Bafana Bafana on 58 occasions and scoring 18 goals in the process.
Masinga also helped the South African national team win the African Nations Cup at FNB Stadium in 1996 under the guidance of then coach Clive Barker.
Supporters, former players, players, coaches and the media took to Twitter to pay tribute to the Bafana legend:
It is with great sadness that the club has learnt of former striker Phil Masinga’s passing. The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/d0H0EO8idl
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 13, 2019
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 @BafanaBafana legend Phil Masinga— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 13, 2019
The man whose goal secured South Africa’s qualification to France 1998, the country’s first #WorldCup.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Phil Masinga who has passed away aged 49. pic.twitter.com/VLyfNK2eSy
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) January 13, 2019
We have lost another hero-Phil Masinga just passed away-Rest well Phil..May your soul rest in perfect peace 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/DlTNeJXDXw
— Anthony Baffoe (@AnthonyBaffoe) January 13, 2019
RIP PHIL MASINGA 💔🇿🇦
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Masinga family. pic.twitter.com/BdouWJqdGv
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) January 13, 2019
All Phil Masinga’s goals for #lufc including a hat trick against Walsall in the FA Cup.
RIP Chippa. #RIPPhilMasinga pic.twitter.com/ojrlZOqkE9
— Tommo (@LUFC1992) January 13, 2019
SAFA has confirmed that Bafana Bafana legend Phil Masinga has passed away at the age of 49. pic.twitter.com/nVEE2CSgcH
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) January 13, 2019
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!!
— Mark Fish (@markfish74) January 13, 2019
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.
FULL STORY: https://t.co/HTKBsH2Eoe pic.twitter.com/aSWvQbqgBW
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 13, 2019
Side-by-side! I have nothing but fond memories of our time together as Bafana Team mates on and off the field. Thank you for that honour. May your soul Rest In Peace my dear friend. #PhilMasinga #Legend. pic.twitter.com/swXrwTjkyy
— Andre Arendse (@TheAndreArendse) January 13, 2019
“I’m saddened by the passing of Phil Masinga. Phil was a gentleman. He served & left an indelible mark. He left us with memories of AFCON 96 & France 98. He represented SA excellently. Condolences to the bereaved family & friends. Your loss is a loss to many”- Chairman K. Motaung pic.twitter.com/hyZQ1yfCDO
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 13, 2019
Farewell Chippa Masinga…..
Football will never forget you….#PhilMasinga pic.twitter.com/wG89ShC8Lk— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) January 13, 2019
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️
We are saddened by the news of the passing of former @BafanaBafana striker Phil Masinga. South African football has lost one of its most favourite sons. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends & the football fraternity.
☠🏆🇿🇦🏆☠#RIPPhilMasinga #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/sD8KpGfFoP— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) January 13, 2019
RIP to a Legend. Tnx for helping to pave the way for all of us to pursue our dreams ✊ #PhilMasinga pic.twitter.com/pZkYDDidJY
— Oupa Manyisa (@OupaManyisa20) January 13, 2019
Rest well Good Sir. We are grateful as the young for paving the way to Europe and the National Team for us. #RIP #PhilMasinga #RestWell 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/fztFtd5qUp
— Lebogang Phiri (@Lebhino6) January 13, 2019
The idol that debuted South African football into the 1998 World Cup; a timeless contribution; he left an indelible and golden precedent to our football; an inspiration to most of us. May your Soul Rest In Peace #PhilMasinga.
— Siboniso Pa Gaxa (@ayolagaxa) January 13, 2019
