President Cyril Ramaphosa sends condolences following the passing of Phil Masinga

“South Africa, the sporting fraternity and football in particular is today poorer, death be not proud”, this is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa on learning of the passing of one of South Africa’s prolific professional footballer Philemon “Chippa Phil” Masinga.

“We shall forever be grateful to Philemon “Chippa” Masinga, as he was affectionately known, for being part of a collective in his deserved call ups, to Bafana Bafana.  A collective that helped put South Africa back on the international stage when he scored the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier goal”.

“He continued to put South Africa on an international stage when he, also deservedly, became our ambassador and diligently played for teams in the   English Premier League and Italian Serie A League.  I say deservedly because he was equally outstanding here at home when he played for Premier   Soccer League clubs where he dazzled many South Africans”.  

“Our thoughts and prayers are with family, relatives, friends and millions of his admirers. May his soul rest in eternal peace”, said President Ramaphosa.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria