Cape Town - Former Bafana Bafana striker Bennett Masinga has passed away after a short illness. He was 48.
Masinga, the cousin of former Bafana Bafana star Phil Masinga, represented Mamelodi Sundowns, Umtata Bush Bucks, Manning Rangers and Santos during his career.
'Bennito' also represented Bafana Bafana on five occasions between 1992 and 1993.
He made his debut alongside his cousin Phil in Bafana’s third match since re-admission to international football - a friendly against Cameroon on July 11, 1992.
Both cousins were on the scoresheet for Bafana at FNB Stadium in a 2-2 draw.
Bennett Masinga’s fifth and final match for Bafana was during the goalless draw against Mauritius on April 10, 1993.
Phil Masinga, 44, said his older cousin was an inspiration for him when he grew up.
I idolised him. Followed him around when I was a youngster. Carried his soccer boots for him just to see him play.
All I ever wanted was to be just as good at football as he was. He was no doubt a better player than me. #RIPBennito," he tweeted on Friday.
Friends, fans and family of Bennett Masinga are invited to share their memories and tributes, and to light a candle for him, on his profile at Remembered.co.za.
Masinga, the cousin of former Bafana Bafana star Phil Masinga, represented Mamelodi Sundowns, Umtata Bush Bucks, Manning Rangers and Santos during his career.
'Bennito' also represented Bafana Bafana on five occasions between 1992 and 1993.
He made his debut alongside his cousin Phil in Bafana’s third match since re-admission to international football - a friendly against Cameroon on July 11, 1992.
Both cousins were on the scoresheet for Bafana at FNB Stadium in a 2-2 draw.
Bennett Masinga’s fifth and final match for Bafana was during the goalless draw against Mauritius on April 10, 1993.
Phil Masinga, 44, said his older cousin was an inspiration for him when he grew up.
I idolised him. Followed him around when I was a youngster. Carried his soccer boots for him just to see him play.
All I ever wanted was to be just as good at football as he was. He was no doubt a better player than me. #RIPBennito," he tweeted on Friday.
Friends, fans and family of Bennett Masinga are invited to share their memories and tributes, and to light a candle for him, on his profile at Remembered.co.za.