Inducted into the South African Hall of Fame – 14 November 2025

Phil Masinga was a trailblazer for South African football, known for his powerful presence as a striker and his historic role in leading Bafana Bafana to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Born on 28 June 1969 in Klerksdorp, Masinga’s professional journey began at Jomo Cosmos before moving to Leeds United in England, becoming one of South Africa’s first players to make a mark in Europe. He is best remembered for scoring the unforgettable long-range goal against Congo that secured South Africa’s qualification for their first-ever World Cup.

More than just a goal scorer, Masinga was a national symbol of pride and hope during South Africa’s sporting re-emergence on the world stage. He passed away on 13 January 2019 at the age of 49.