Taken far too young
Former Leeds United and South Africa striker Phil Masinga has tragically died at the age of just 49, it has been confirmed.
The club announced his passing on social media on Sunday morning, saying: “It is with great sadness that the club has learnt of former striker Phil Masinga’s passing. The thoughts of everyone at Leeds are with his family and friends.”
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
No further details have been announced regarding the circumstances of his death.
Masinga played for Leeds between 1994 and 1996 and also had spells at St Gallen in Switzerland and Italian clubs Salernitana and Bari.
“A sad day for South African football,” said South Africa Football Association president Danny Jordaan.
“A loyal servant of the game, on and off the field of play.”
Masinga made his international debut for South Africa in 1992 in the country’s first match after readmission to international football post-apartheid. He formed part of the South Africa squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations squad.
He scored five goals in 31 league appearances for Leeds, and will be remembered fondly by the club’s fanbase.
Gutted 😢 RIP , another player who made my dreams come true as a child …. @NoelDavidWhelan pic.twitter.com/gfn6nNy6gG
— Rich 💛🤍💙 (@RichyALAWMOT) January 13, 2019
