Phil Masinga, the former Leeds United striker, has died at the age of 49, the Championship club have confirmed.
The South African played in the Premier League for Leeds for two years after joining from Mamelodi Sundowns in 1994.
“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,” the club said on Twitter.
Masinga was signed for Leeds by then manager Howard Wilkinson at the same time as his compatriot Lucas Radebe.
He left for Swiss side St Gallen in 2006 and went on to play for Salernitana and Bari in Italy.
He won 58 caps for South Africa, helping them win the African Nations Cup on home soil in 1996.
He also scored the decisive goal against Congo which sealed South Africa’s qualification for the 1998 World Cup, the first time they had qualified for the tournament.
“Sad day for South African football. A loyal servant of the game, on and off the field of play,” South African Football Association president Dr Danny Jordaan said in a statement on Twitter.
Masinga’s former Leeds team-mates also paid emotional tributes to the striker.
Tony Dorigo said on Twitter: “Very sad news, RIP my friend. I’ll never forget Phil and the chief arriving at #ER full of smiles and hope…..and thermals!! Thoughts with his friends and family.”
Noel Whelan tweeted: “Really sad news to learn that a guy I spent so much time with , laughs and games together has passed away, he was not just a friend and strike partner but one of the nicest kindest guys I’ve met , was a pleasure and privilege to have know and played with you phil.”
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright wrote: “Rest in Peace Phil. We’ll never forget your goal that took South Africa to their first World Cup in 1998. A legend of South African football and loved by @LUFC and Sundowns fans around the world. #RIPPhilMasinga.”
