Remembering Philemon Masinga: South Africans Pay Tribute to Bafana Legend 3 Years After His Death

• Social media pays tribute to Philemon Masinga, 3 years after he passed away after a battle with cancer
• Philemon Masinga was a legend for club and country and led Bafana to the World Cup in France in 1998
• Masinga scored 18 goals for Bafana and fans can't stop talking about the stunning goal against Congo even after his death

Philemon 'Chippa' Masinga may not be alive today, but his contributions to club and country will live on in memory.

Three years after his tragic passing, South Africans still fondly remember the star striker and talk about his world-famous goal that took South Africa to the World Cup in France.

Chippa Masinga as many fans dubbed him passed away on 13 January 2019 after a battle with cancer, Sport24 reported at the time of his death. He was 49-years-old at the time of his passing.

The former Bafana legend played 58 times for his country, scoring 18 goals in the process. At club level, Masinga played for Jomo Cosmo and Mamelodi Sundowns domestically before joining English Premier League outfit, Leeds United.

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He was also a part of the Bafana team that lifted the African Cup of Nations in 1996, the country's only AFCON triumph.

Throughout his legendary career, Masinga may probably be most famously known for the stunning goal he scored against Congo in 1997 that saw Bafana qualify for the World Cup. If you haven't seen it, check it out below.

Three years after his tragic passing, South Africans still fondly remember Masinga and took to Twitter yesterday on the anniversary of his death to pay tribute to the striker.

@Offixial_pm:

"Wow, so Today marks the passing of Legend Phil Masinga. He'd be so disappointed that bafana aren't even playing Afcon!!"

@GauzaWowza:

"RIP Chippa Masinga. He was brilliant in the air, with the headers"

@iam_wayneIII:

"He is one great guy I never understood why South Africa didn't like him then.... that goal was memorable though"

Former Bafana star Maimane Phiri released from the hospital, thanks South Africa for support during recovery

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In other soccer news, ex-Bafana Bafana player Maimane Alfred Phiri has finally been released from the hospital and is thankful for all the support he received since he was shot, Sports Brief earlier reported.

Phiri was shot twice in his tavern in Alexandra on December 30 after he tried to intervene when a gunman attempted to shoot a woman. Phiri was shot in the arm and leg while another patron of the tavern was killed. The gunman then shot himself dead. A police investigation into the matter is still ongoing.

Phiri remained critical but stable while in hospital until his progress was promising enough that he could be discharged. The South African confirmed that Phiri was in some discomfort but recovering and would continue his recovery at home.