SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan has described the late Bafana Bafana legend Phil Masinga as a rare breed.

‘Chippa’, as Masinga was popularly known in football circles, passed away at a Johannesburg hospital on Sunday morning at the age of 49.

He was admitted to Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp two months ago before he was transferred to a Johannesburg hospital last month where he was diagnosed with cancer.

“We have lost a giant of South African Football, this is a sad day for our football,” Dr Jordaan said.

He had visited Masinga with his SAFA National Executive Committee last Sunday.

“I am really gutted. I saw him last Sunday before I flew to Dakar and although he was not feeling well, he was in good spirits and I promised to visit him again sometime this week and now our hero is gone,” a somber Dr Jordaan.

“Phil was a loyal servant of the game, on and off the field of play. His goal against Congo which took us to our first World Cup in France in 1998, is still the most celebrated goal in the country to date,” he said.

The SAFA President said Masinga was an active member of the South African Masters & Legends, an affiliate of SAFA, adding Chippa never missed any of SAFA meetings.

The late Masinga was born on 28 June 1969 in Klerksdorp in the North West and played for Jomo Cosmos, Leeds United in England, where he signed with Lucas Radebe, St Gallen in Switzerland, and Italian sides FC Bari and Salernitana.

CAF deputy secretary general, Anthony Baffoe, wrote: “We have lost another hero in Phil Masinga. May his soul rest in peace.”

COSAFA would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Masinga family. May his soul Rest in Peace.