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Phil Masinga
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Philemon Raul Masinga (28 June 1969 – 13 January 2019) was a South African professional footballer and manager who played as a striker from 1990 to 2002. He was born in Khuma in the city of Matlosana formerly known as Klerksdorp Municipality.[3]
Key Information
He played in the English Premier League for Leeds United, and Italian Serie A for Salernitana and Bari. He also played for Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns with his cousin Bennett Masinga, St. Gallen and Al-Wahda. He represented South Africa in 58 international games, scoring 18 goals. In 2006, he briefly went into football management with PJ Stars.
Club career
[edit]Masinga made his debut for Jomo Cosmos in 1990, before moving on to Mamelodi Sundowns.[4]
In 1994 he left for English Premier League club Leeds United; the deal that his agent Marcelo Houseman did with Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson also involved Lucas Radebe moving to Leeds from Kaizer Chiefs.[5] He played in the English Premier League for two years, playing 31 games and scoring five goals, and also scored a hat-trick in an FA Cup tie against Walsall on 17 January 1995.[6]
Masinga moved to Switzerland with St. Gallen in 1996, followed by spells in Italy with Salernitana and Bari.[7] In 2001, a return to English Football with Coventry City fell through after he failed to secure a work permit,[8] following which he moved to Al Wahda FC in Abu Dhabi where he completed his playing career.[7]
International career
[edit]Masinga made his international debut in July 1992 against Cameroon; this was South Africa's first match following readmission of the country to international football.[9] In an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier versus Zambia in 1992, Masinga became the first South African ever to be sent off in an international match.[10] He was in the Bafana Bafana side when South Africa won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations and when they finished second to Egypt in the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations.[11] "Chippa", as he was affectionately known,[12] scored the decisive goal in the 1997 game against the Republic of the Congo that took South Africa to the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.[9] He played 58 games for his country, scoring 18 goals.[4]
Managerial career
[edit]Death
[edit]On 13 January 2019, Masinga died in Johannesburg.[9][13] He had been admitted to hospital the previous month, due to cancer.[12][14]
Career statistics
[edit]| Goal | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 July 1992 | FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa |  Cameroon |
1–1 | 2–2 | Friendly |
| 2 | 24 October 1992 |  Congo |
1–0 | 1–0 | 1994 World Cup qualification | |
| 3 | 25 July 1993 | Sir Aneroid Jugnauth Stadium, Belle Vue Maurel, Mauritius |  Mauritius |
3–0 | 3–0 | 1994 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| 4 | 24 April 1994 | Mmabatho Stadium, Mmabatho, South Africa |  Zimbabwe |
1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly |
| 5 | 4 September 1994 | Mahamasina Municipal Stadium, Antananarivo, Madagascar |  Madagascar |
1–0 | 1–0 | 1996 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| 6 | 15 October 1994 | Odi Stadium, Mabopane, South Africa | Mauritius |
1–0 | 1–0 | |
| 7 | 13 January 1996 | FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | Cameroon |
1–0 | 3–0 | 1996 Africa Cup of Nations |
| 8 | 24 April 1996 |  Brazil |
1–0 | 2–3 | Friendly | |
| 9 | 9 November 1996 |  Zaire |
1–0 | 1–0 | 1998 World Cup qualification | |
| 10 | 27 April 1997 | Stade Municipal, Lomé, Togo | 2–1 | 2–1 | ||
| 11 | 24 May 1997 | Old Trafford, Manchester, England |  England |
1–1 | 1–2 | Friendly |
| 12 | 8 June 1997 | FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa |  Zambia |
2–0 | 3–0 | 1998 World Cup qualification |
| 13 | 16 August 1997 | Congo |
1–0 | 1–0 | ||
| 14 | 24 January 1998 | Independence Stadium, Windhoek, South Africa |  Namibia |
2–1 | 2–3 | 1998 COSAFA Cup |
| 15 | 23 January 1999 | King George V Stadium, Curepipe, Mauritius | Mauritius |
1–0 | 1–1 | 2000 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| 16 | 27 February 1999 | Odi Stadium, Mabopane, South Africa |  Gabon |
2–1 | 4–1 | |
| 17 | 16 December 2000 | FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa |  Liberia |
2–0 | 2–1 | 2002 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| 18 | 25 February 2001 | Chichiri Stadium, Blantyre, Malawi |  Malawi |
1–0 | 2–1 | 2002 World Cup qualification |
Honours
[edit]Jomo Cosmos
- Nedbank Cup: 1990
Mamelodi Sundowns
South Africa
- Africa Cup of Nations: 1996; runner-up: 1998
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Hugman, Barry J, ed. (2005). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2005/2006. Queen Anne Press. p. 417. ISBN 978-1-85291-662-6.
- ^ "Philemon Masinga: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
- ^ "Phil Masinga: South African footballer who was part of a new era of sport after apartheid". The Independent. 21 January 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ a b c Breakfast, Siviwe (12 December 2018). "Former Bafana striker Phil Masinga hospitalised". The South African. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ Smart, Ryan (6 August 2018). "This is my hero". Tale of Two Halves. Archived from the original on 13 January 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ "Hat-Trick Heroes – Leeds United FC – LeedsUtdMAD". Leedsunited-mad.co.uk. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
- ^ a b "South Africa and Leeds United star Phil Masinga dies at 49". ESPN. 13 January 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ "Masinga deal off". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 15 August 2001. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ a b c "Phil Masinga: Ex-Leeds and South Africa striker dies aged 49". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ Said, Nick (7 August 2015). "No stranger to seeing red". Daily Dispatch. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ Hadebe Sadze (12 December 2018). "Bafana Bafana legend Philemon Masinga has been hospitalised". The Sowetan. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ a b "SA soccer legend Phil 'Chippa' Masinga dies". Sport24. 13 January 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ "Phil Masinga". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Phil Masinga: South Africa striker who made Premier League history with Leeds". Guardian. 14 January 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Phil Masinga at Soccerbase
- Klerksdorper.com The Number One Internet Site for Klerksdorp
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Phil Masinga
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Upbringing
Philemon Raul Masinga was born on 28 June 1969 in Khuma, a township located near Klerksdorp in South Africa's North West Province, an area now incorporated into the City of Matlosana.[3][2] Raised in this remote, predominantly black township during the apartheid era, Masinga grew up under the oppressive racial segregation policies that confined non-white South Africans to underdeveloped areas on the outskirts of urban centers.[2] These policies severely restricted access to quality education, healthcare, and recreational facilities for black families, fostering an environment of economic hardship and limited opportunities.[6] Details about his immediate family remain sparse, though he later returned to live with his mother in Khuma during personal financial struggles.[3] In townships like Khuma, football served as a prominent community activity and a means of social cohesion amid the isolation and repression of apartheid, offering young residents an accessible outlet for expression and aspiration.[7] This early immersion in the sport's local culture provided Masinga with his initial grounding, paving the way for structured youth training later on.[2]Youth career
Philemon Masinga, born in the Khuma township near Klerksdorp in South Africa's North West province, grew up in challenging socio-economic conditions typical of apartheid-era townships, where opportunities for organized sports were limited.[8] He began his football journey at primary school, displaying early talent in informal games that honed his skills amid the township's resource-scarce environment.[9] Local matches in Khuma, particularly with a mine team in nearby Stilfontein, provided his initial platform for organized play, as mine soccer was a prominent amateur scene supported by mining companies that offered payments to talented players from surrounding communities.[10] Masinga's emergence caught the attention of scouts during a regional tournament in Stilfontein, where his performances stood out despite his lanky frame.[11] Jomo Sono, the influential player-coach of Jomo Cosmos, spotted him while scouting another prospect and was immediately impressed by the young striker's bravery and versatility. Sono described Masinga as "tall but skinny," yet "very brave, skilful and for his height, normally these tall guys don’t have skill, they’re only good in the air. Masinga was good at both. On the ground and in the air."[11] This led to informal trials, during which Sono personally took Masinga under his wing, arranging training and even schooling to ease his transition from township life.[10] By 1990, Masinga's trial period with Jomo Cosmos' semi-professional setup culminated in his recruitment to the club's youth ranks, marking his first structured step toward professional football.[1] In regional youth leagues and tournaments, he showcased his physical attributes—standing at 6 ft 4 in with notable pace, aerial prowess, and finishing ability—consistently dominating matches and drawing praise for his combination of power and technical skill.[8] These early displays in amateur and semi-pro settings laid the foundation for his rapid rise, highlighting his potential as a formidable forward.[11]Club career
South African clubs
Masinga began his professional career with Jomo Cosmos in 1990, marking his entry into South African top-flight football as a promising young striker. During his time with the Johannesburg-based club until 1991, he made over 80 appearances and scored 23 goals in 88 matches, demonstrating his emerging talent and consistency in front of goal.[11][12] In 1991, Masinga transferred to Mamelodi Sundowns, where he rapidly developed into one of the league's most feared forwards. Over the next three seasons until 1994, he featured in 108 matches for the Pretoria club, scoring an extraordinary 98 goals and establishing himself as a prolific marksman.[13][14] Masinga played a pivotal role in Sundowns' league dominance during this period, notably contributing to their 1992–93 NSL Castle League championship win through his clinical finishing and physical presence on the pitch. His reputation for unleashing powerful long-range shots earned him the enduring nickname "Chippa," a moniker that highlighted his distinctive and forceful striking style from his youth days onward.[15][16]European clubs
In 1994, following his standout performances with Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, Phil Masinga transferred to Leeds United in the English Premier League for a fee of £250,000, arriving alongside compatriot Lucas Radebe as part of a package deal.[17] This move marked Masinga as the first black South African to play in the Premier League, where he made his debut as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against West Ham United on 20 August 1994.[2] Over his two seasons at Elland Road, Masinga featured in 31 Premier League appearances, scoring 5 goals, while adapting to the physical demands and cultural differences of English football. One of his most memorable contributions came in the FA Cup third-round replay against Walsall on 17 January 1995, when Masinga entered as a substitute in extra time and scored a hat-trick within nine minutes, securing a 5-2 victory and etching his name into Leeds United folklore as the "Waltzing Masinga."[18] Despite these highlights, injuries and competition for places limited his consistent starting role under managers Howard Wilkinson and George Graham, leading to his departure in 1996.[2] Seeking more playing time, Masinga joined Swiss club FC St. Gallen on loan in early 1996, where he made 10 appearances without scoring, using the stint to regain form amid a transitional period in his career.[5] Later that year, he moved to Italy, signing with Salernitana in Serie B during the second half of the 1996-97 season for an undisclosed fee.[19] In 16 appearances for the club, Masinga netted 4 goals, helping Salernitana secure promotion to Serie A at the end of the campaign and paving the way for his continued development in Italian football.[5]Later career
After joining Bari in 1997, building on his earlier experience with Salernitana in Italy, Masinga enjoyed a consistent four-year stint with the club, appearing in 75 Serie A matches and scoring 24 goals. His physical presence as a towering striker made him a fan favorite among Bari supporters, where he contributed to the team's survival in the top flight for much of his time there.[2] However, Masinga's tenure was not without challenges, including a serious knee ligament injury in late 1999 that required surgery and sidelined him for six months, severely impacting his availability.[20] Additionally, Bari's relegation to Serie B at the end of the 2000–01 season marked the conclusion of his time in Italy's elite division, after which he sought opportunities abroad.[21] In December 2001, Masinga signed with Al-Wahda in the United Arab Emirates, where he played his final professional matches before retiring in 2002 due to ongoing knee issues.[22][2] Over his club career spanning South Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, he amassed 328 appearances and 154 goals.[23]International career
Debut and key tournaments
Masinga made his international debut for South Africa on 7 July 1992 against Cameroon in Durban, a 1-0 victory that represented the nation's first official match since its readmission to FIFA following the end of apartheid.[24] Over his career, he earned 58 caps for Bafana Bafana, showcasing his prowess as a striker in numerous international fixtures.[24] Masinga played a crucial role in South Africa's triumphant 1996 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, hosted on home soil, where he started in several key matches and scored the tournament's opening goal in a 3-0 group-stage win over Cameroon just a day after arriving from England.[25] His contributions as a forward were instrumental in Bafana Bafana's path to the final, culminating in a 2-0 victory against Tunisia to claim the country's first continental title.[26] Masinga featured in South Africa's debut at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, making two appearances in the group stage: a 1-3 loss to hosts France on 12 June and a 0-1 defeat to Denmark on 18 June, though the team did not advance beyond the group stage.[26] In the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations, Masinga was part of the South African squad that reached the final as runners-up. Although he did not feature in the semi-final 2-1 extra-time victory over DR Congo (goals by Benni McCarthy), he started in the final 0-2 loss to Egypt.[27]Major achievements
One of Phil Masinga's most iconic contributions came on 16 August 1997, when he scored a stunning 30-yard strike in the 14th minute against the Republic of the Congo at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, securing a 1-0 victory that qualified South Africa for the 1998 FIFA World Cup—the nation's first appearance in the tournament.[28][29] Over his international career, Masinga earned 58 caps for Bafana Bafana, scoring 18 goals and emerging as a key leader during the post-apartheid era, where his physical presence and scoring prowess helped symbolize national unity and progress in South African football.[25]Post-playing career
Managerial roles
After retiring from professional football, Phil Masinga transitioned into coaching in 2006, taking on a co-coaching role at PJ Stars alongside Ernest Mtawali ahead of the Mvela League season.[30] The club, based in Tembisa and competing in South Africa's National First Division (second tier at the time), had secured sponsorship from CTM to bolster their promotion push.[30] Masinga's tenure proved short-lived, as PJ Stars endured a challenging campaign, finishing 16th out of 16 teams with 17 points (following a 15-point deduction for using unregistered players), resulting in relegation.[31] The side managed only 8 wins and 8 draws across 30 matches, conceding 48 goals while scoring 32, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities during the season.[31] This brief managerial experience at a lower-division club represented Masinga's primary foray into coaching, though the club folded shortly thereafter.Other contributions
After retiring from professional football in 2002, Phil Masinga served as an ambassador for South Africa's successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, playing a pivotal role in garnering international support and promoting the event across the continent.[32][33] In this capacity, he joined other football legends like Mark Fish and Desiree Ellis to represent the bid at global functions and advocate for South Africa's readiness to stage the tournament.[34] As part of the 2010 World Cup legacy initiatives, Masinga actively participated in football development programs by conducting coaching clinics for young players in various South African provinces, focusing on grassroots talent in underserved communities.[35][36] These sessions, organized by the Local Organizing Committee, aimed to inspire and train township youth, emphasizing skill-building and access to the sport amid the national excitement for the World Cup.[37] Masinga's involvement extended to promotional efforts that highlighted football's potential for social upliftment in townships, drawing from his own background in Soweto.[36] In 2009, Masinga undertook a diplomatic outreach as a World Cup ambassador, joining Mark Fish on a peace mission to East Africa to foster regional goodwill and unity through football ahead of the tournament.[38] His contributions in these areas underscored a commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement beyond formal coaching roles.Personal life and death
Family and legacy
Phil Masinga maintained a private family life, married to Ntombi Nombewu, with whom he had three or four children, including son Sifiso.[39][40] Details about his personal relationships remained largely out of the public eye, reflecting his preference for discretion amid a high-profile career.[8] Affectionately nicknamed "Chippa," During his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, his reputation grew for powerful, thunderous shots that echoed the forceful style associated with the nickname, solidifying it in South African football lore.[8] Masinga's legacy endures as a trailblazer for black South African players venturing abroad, becoming the first to feature in the English Premier League with Leeds United in 1994, breaking barriers in a post-apartheid era.[2] As a key figure in Bafana Bafana's inaugural FIFA World Cup qualification in 1998, his contributions symbolized national unity and the reintegration of South African sport following apartheid's end.[41][42]Illness and passing
In late 2018, Phil Masinga was admitted to Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp, where he was diagnosed with cancer, leading to further hospitalization in Johannesburg.[2][43] Masinga passed away on 13 January 2019 at the age of 49 in a Johannesburg hospital due to cancer-related complications, as confirmed by the South African Football Association (SAFA).[44][26][45] Following his death, tributes poured in from SAFA, former teammates, and fans across South Africa, who remembered Masinga as a national hero and Bafana Bafana legend for his contributions to the sport.[41][46][47] SAFA President Danny Jordaan described him as a "rare breed," while ex-teammate Lucas Radebe called him a "legend" and a man "everybody loved."[45][41][48]Honours and statistics
Team honours
During his international career with the South African national team, known as Bafana Bafana, Masinga contributed to the country's first major continental triumph by winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, hosted in South Africa, where the team defeated Tunisia 2–0 in the final.[2] At club level, Masinga earned his first major domestic honor with Jomo Cosmos by securing the Bob Save Super Bowl, the precursor to the modern Nedbank Cup, in 1990 after a 1–0 victory over AmaZulu in the final.[49] He then added to his accolades with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning the National Soccer League title in 1993 as part of the squad that clinched the championship under coach Jeff Butler.[50]Career statistics
Phil Masinga amassed 328 appearances and 154 goals in domestic league matches across his club career in South Africa, England, Switzerland, and Italy.[51] All-competitions totals are higher, as detailed below.[52] His club statistics are broken down as follows (all competitions):| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Jomo Cosmos | 88 | 23 |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | 108 | 98 |
| Leeds United | 38 | 11 |
| St. Gallen | 10 | 0 |
| Salernitana | 16 | 4 |
| Bari | 84 | 24 |
| Total | 344 | 160 |
| League | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | Leeds United | 31 | 5 |
| Serie A | Bari | 75 | 24 |
| Serie A | Salernitana | 12 | 3 |
| Swiss Super League | St. Gallen | 10 | 0 |
| Tournament | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 1998 | 2 | 0 |
| Africa Cup of Nations 1996 | 5 | 1 |
| Africa Cup of Nations 1998 | 3 | 0 |
| FIFA Confederations Cup 1997 | 3 | 0 |
| COSAFA Cup (various) | 8 | 4 |