Phil Masinga — South African striker and football manager

Club career

Masinga began his senior career in South African football, playing for local top-flight sides before moving abroad. Domestically he represented teams such as Jomo Cosmos and Mamelodi Sundowns, where he developed a reputation for physical presence and goal threat. His performances attracted overseas interest and he spent spells in Switzerland and in the English and Italian leagues.

In England he had a stint with Leeds United, appearing in the Premier League. He also played in Italy, representing Salernitana and Bari in Serie A, and later had a spell in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Wahda. Those moves made him one of the South African players of the 1990s to gain experience in several European leagues, helping to raise the international profile of South African footballers.

International career

Masinga was an important figure for Bafana Bafana during the 1990s. He won 58 caps and scored 18 international goals for South Africa. He was a member of the national squad during a successful period that included the country's victory at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. His contributions at international level are remembered for their importance in establishing South Africa as a competitive side on the African continent.

Playing style and later work

As a forward Masinga was typically described as a powerful centre-forward who combined aerial ability with direct running and hold-up play. He was valued for his physicality, work-rate and experience both at club and international level. After retiring from playing he moved briefly into coaching and football management, including a short spell with PJ Stars in 2006, working to develop players and pass on his experience.

Legacy and death

Masinga is remembered as one of South Africa's prominent strikers of the post-apartheid era, a player who helped bring domestic talent to wider attention by competing in Europe. His death on 13 January 2019 in Klerksdorp followed a period of illness; he had been hospitalised with cancer about a month earlier. Tributes from former teammates, clubs and fans acknowledged his contributions on and off the field.

Notable facts

• Full name: Philemon Raul Masinga — born in Klerksdorp, South Africa.
• International record: 58 caps and 18 goals for South Africa.
• Clubs included Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, St. Gallen, Leeds United, Salernitana, Bari and Al-Wahda.
• Part of the South African national side during the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations victory.
• Briefly worked in coaching/management with PJ Stars in 2006.

For a concise player profile and career overview see Phil Masinga profile. For information focused on his time in English football visit Leeds United career summary. Contemporary reports of his passing and illness are available via news coverage.