21 January 2019 – The South African Football family converged at the Grace Bible College in Soweto on Monday, 21 January 2019 to pay their last respects to the late Bafana Bafana striker Phil ‘Chippa’ Masinga who passed away last Sunday, 13 January 2019 at a private Johannesburg hospital.

He lost a battle with cancer and was 49 years old.

Dignitaries included the SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, MEC for Sport and Recreation for Gauteng Province, Ms Faith Mazibuko, SAFA NEC members and Vice-Presidents that included Ms Ria Ledwaba, Xolile Nkompela, Gay Mokoena and Irvin Khoza.

Also in attendance were current and former players, coaches and administrators of the game as well as renowned football supporters.

SAFA President said he will soon convene an all football stakeholders meeting to find practical and lasting solutions afflicting former players. He said the issue was a complex one and needed stakeholders to put their heads together to come up with viable solutions on the future of ex players.

Neil Tovey who captain Masinga when Bafana Bafana won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 1996 sent a message via a video link. He could not attend the memorial service as he is attending a Technical Directors workshop in Cairo, Egypt.

Daniel ‘Mambush’ Mudau spoke about his fond memories with the gangling striker during their playing days at Mamelodi Sundowns while former captain Lucas Radebe who broke down during his speech, said Masinga made his stay in England more comfortable.

Former defender Mark Fish said Masinga was an embodiment of a hard worker and a true professional adding he was saddened to lose a true friend so early.

Also paying tribute to the man whose death has touched the entire football universe were Masinga’s brothers, son and daughters.

Journalist Thomas Kwenaite also delivered a touching tribute while representatives of the Players Union and SA Masters and Legends FA gave moving speeches as well.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino sent his message which was read by the Region’s manager David Fani.

SOURCED FROM THE SAFA WEBSITE.