Some have described Philemon Raul Masinga as a loyal servant of the game on and off the field of play following his death yesterday.
Masinga passed away after a long illness at a hospital in Johannesburg on Sunday morning.
Tributes have pouring for the late soccer star on social media and from various sports teams.
Here’s what they had to say:
My heart is deeply saddened by the loss of my former opponent, my gallant colleague and #Africanfootball legend #PhilMasinga #Gone2soon #RIPMasinga Rest In Peace my brother #Bafana
— Kalusha Bwalya (@KalushaPBwalya) January 13, 2019
49 – year old Bafana Bafana legend Phil Masinga has on.
May his legacy live on. ????????#RIPPhilMasinga #PhilMasinga pic.twitter.com/jd5QkwSOZK
— Floetic_Essentials♟ (@FloeticWitty) January 13, 2019
I knew #PhilMasinga hola hola Legend meeting in public spaces. I started serving in the beautiful game then it became hola Phil hola, replied with Vino Ma Vino. Got into close contact through friendly tournament Maize Cup where he was a worthy ambassador. Now he’s gone! ???? MHSRIP
— Vina (@alfavina) January 14, 2019
Rip to phil masinga this was the last time we were truly happy as a nation ☹????????
What a beautiful goal he scored #philmasinga #RIPMasinga #RIPPhilMasinga #RIPChippa pic.twitter.com/8aH3Ksv0ZO
— Gordon Ramaphosa (@Ngiya_Hlanya) January 13, 2019
Rest in peace legend #PhilMasinga pic.twitter.com/EwXTOorfwA
— Big Meech (@aldyhasty) January 14, 2019
RIP #PhilMasinga. Since the dawn of democracy, few South Africans inspired and fired up the hopes South Africans as #PhilMasinga did when he helped #Bafana qualify for the World Cup.
— ProfTinyiko Maluleke (@ProfTinyiko) January 13, 2019
Farewell Chippa Masinga…..
Football will never forget you….#PhilMasinga pic.twitter.com/wG89ShC8Lk— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) January 13, 2019
Rest in peace #PhilMasinga
Long live the Legend
My inspiration in football pic.twitter.com/EpNhyw08dh— ♓VaalRise Mac-D♓(016) ???????? (@MacDinobravo) January 13, 2019