MECs tribute to Bafana Bafana soccer legend

MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Thandi Moraka has paid tribute to the late Bafana Bafana legend, Philimon Masinga who passed away at the age of 49 on Sunday, reportedly after a short illness.
Masinga earned over 50 international caps and helped Bafana Bafana clinch the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations title. He will be remembered by South African soccer supporters for scoring the famous goal that secured qualification to the 1998 World Cup.
He also played for Leeds United in the English Premiership in the 1990s along with Lucas Radebe.
He boasts more than 150 goals in 328 professional appearances under his belt.
In her short statement Moraka is quoted to have said: “The Department of Sport Arts and Culture is saddened by the passing away of soccer legend, Phil Masinga, who plied his trade in no less than four reputable clubs abroad and has earned himself more than fifty caps playing for South Africa. He was an exemplary to our youngsters having played in Serie A in Italy and English Premier League specifically playing for Leeds in England, the epitome of where every soccer player would want to be.”
“It is indeed a great loss to our nation as his guidance towards our youngsters was still needed. To the family, to his peers and the national squad, “The Barker Boys”, he made us proud. That was one solid national team ever produced in this country which had prolific strikers of his calibre,” Moraka said.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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