THE LATE Bafana Bafana legend Phil ‘Chippa’ Masingawill be given a provincial official funeral in Klerksdorp in the North West on Thursday, January 24.
According to the Sowetan, the National Sports Ministry had put in the request to president Cyril Ramaphosa and the green light has reportedly been given.
Sports Ministry spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga told the publication: “Yes the request has been received and we are actually processing that with the office of the premier in North West.
“In no time we will be able to bring South Africans into our confidence that the request has been approved by the president.
“The family has also indicated that a memorial service will be held in Johannesburg on Friday, January 18 and another one will be held in North West next Tuesday (January 22).
The details of the venues will be communicated on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the president of the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA), Buddha Mathathe, added that the Klerksdorp Stadium was the striker’s wish for the venue.
He said: “We had a meeting at SAFA House on Monday with the president of SAFA Danny Jordaan and government officials from the sport ministry.
“Masinga’s family, his (fiancee) and eldest son, and other family members were there and we agreed that we will give Chippa a provincial government funeral in North West.”
Ed Note: I came to know ‘Chippa’ whilst still playing for Jomo Cosmos way back.
Always in the company of teammates Gesond Vilakazi, Eric September and Shakes Gwabeni, they would visit a well-known ‘inyanga’ in my neighbourhood Naledi-Soweto, who sadly passed-on.
Clad in their club’s tracksuits, the lanky ‘Chippa’ always
in the backseat of their ‘Gusheshe’- BMW, the players were a hit with everyone, including yours truly at that young-age.
But one thing for sure, they had no pride as they interacted with all and sundry- to such an extend recruiting some of the youngsters from Thomas Mofolo Secondary, Thabo High and the infamous Naledi High to join Cosmos.
As Benny McCarthy retorted with a deep voice this week: “We’re all to blame, me included, for not checking up on our previous teammates, on how are they doing or what kind of help is needed. We’re cooked up in our busy schedules without checking up on each other.
Unfortunately, a legend like Chippa was a forgotten Soul who contributed immensely in the development of sport and football in this country and abroad, yet we all failed him.”
The emotional ‘Matsilele’ Jomo Sono asked “where are these boys rushing too, they’re supposed to bury me not the other way ’round?” in reference to another fallen star Sizwe Motaung.
He played for Leeds United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Cosmos, St Gallen (Switzerland), Salernitana & Bari (Italy) and Al Wahda (UAE).
The 49 year old died due to cancer. He lives a Son, fiance and family.
The former Bafana striker scored 18 goals in 58 international matches between 1992 and 2001.
Rest in Peace ‘Raul, Chippa’ Masinga- additional reporting Sydney Morweng, News Editor.
