FORMER LEEDS UNITED striker Phil Masinga has died aged 49.
South African FA president Danny Jordaan confirmed the news, saying Masinga had been battling an illness.
“Sad day for South African football,” Jordaan said in a statement. “A loyal servant of the game, on and off the field of play.”
Masinga played at Elland Road between 1994 and 1996, while also lining out for St Gallen in Switzerland and Bari in Italy, amongst other clubs.
“It is with great sadness that the club has learnt of former striker Phil Masinga’s passing,” said a statement from the Elland Road club.
“The thoughts of everyone at LUFC are with his family and friends.”
Masinga was part of the South Africa side which qualified for the World Cup in 1998. His goal against Congo had ensured the country’s first appearance at the tournament.
More to follow
Great signing. Hopefully he’ll get a good runout
@Colm Cunningham: Presumably just injury cover for Kelleher and Sheehan
@TL55: I’d imagine so. Pretty decent cover. Massively talented player.
@TL55: even so. Both will likely be gone for international games plus injuries if they happen.
@whoowhat?: No URC games during International weekends this season hence reduction in overall no of games & so squad sizes.
If he can fulfill his potential, it’s a great signing to get him back in the Irish system. Could be a great signing.
Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t mc Elroy turn down offers here to sign for saracens a few years back in order to play for England ?
@Michael Uzice: Prodigal son time if he’s good enough. That said, he’s not really needed for Ireland now with the two top guys at Leinster being so good.
@Michael Uzice: Fairly sure he didn’t have any offers from Leinster as they already filled the hooker position, so that’s why he signed for Saracen’s. Sean Cronin is retired & I can’t imagine James Tracy will be sticking around for too long at 31 and never really reached huge heights. And now with McKee playing very well. It does make you wonder how the highly rated prospect of Lee Barron is going to get his place in the team with Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher, John McKee, Tadhg McElroy & James Tracy all ahead of him. Incredibly strong in that area nonetheless.