Premier Mokgoro saddened by Masinga’s demise
Premier of the North West Province, Professor Tebogo Job Mokgoro joins South Africans in expressing his sadness about the passing of Philemon “Chippa” Masinga, a soccer legend who passed on today at a Parktown Hospital, due to ill-health.
Masinga, a former Bafana Bafana striker, originates from Khuma, Stilfontein in the North West Province. He was admitted to Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp last month, before being transferred to a Parktown Hospital in Johannesburg.
Premier Mokgoro who earlier last week visited Masinga at Parktown hospital, says his passing was unexpected, and that it is a great loss to not only the North West Province, but the international football fraternity as well.
“He was one of our soccer development ambassadors who contributed selfishly and significantly to the success of one of the province’s flagship soccer project, the annual Maize Cup Challenge.
“South Africans will forever remember him as a talented soccer player, in particular, for his performance as a striker for the famous side that claimed Bafana Bafana’s first and only AFCON trophy in 1996, as well as his goal that booked Bafana Bafana a ticket to the FIFA World Cup held in 1998 in France.”
Sending his condolences to the Masinga family, friends and the football industry, Premier Mokgoro said while his words can’t take away the pain of losing this extraordinary star, his prayer is for all to find solace in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.
“May those loving memories ease our pain and bring us comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time, and may his soul rest in peace”, Premier Mokgoro said.
Enquiries:
Vuyisile Ngesi
Cell: 079 778 1772
Tel: 018 388 4972
E-mail: vngesi@nwpg.gov.za
