Philemon MASINGA
Phil Masinga was born the 28th of June 1969 in Klerksdorp a few kilometers far from Johannesburg. He grew up playing with Cosmos of Jomo, one of the greatest African players ever. He played in the Southafrican major League with Mamelodi S. for 2 sesons in a row. Shortafter he went to England to play with Leeds.
He stayed in the English Premiership for 2 years, playing 28 games and scoring 5 goals. Not too many for a forward , but he is more an assist-man than a scorer. However he often scored crucial goals. Before arriving in Italy (Salernitana) he played 10 games in Switzerland with San Gallo. In October 1996 his Italian experience began. Salernitana wanted to achieve Serie A but the season ended with some disappointment. Masinga scored just 4 goals in 16 games without being able to show his talent. Still best player of South Africa along with former Lazioís Fish, Phil was acquired by Bari that was looking for a backup for Ventola and Guerrero.
The start of the season was not an exciting one but the game on the road versus Empoli revealed itself to be determinant. Ventola and Guerrero were injured and Fascetti placed his trust in Masinga who scored 2 goals leading Bari to win a crucial game to stay in Serie A. Masinga revived and both Vicenza and Inter learned it to their cost.
For the "Southafrican warrior" is a magic moment. 2 years ago he won the Africaís Cup at home, while this year, in Burkina Faso, he had to be satisfied with a 2nd place after losing the final against Egypt. Last summer then Masinga scored the decisive goal versus Congo that allowed the ìBafana-Bafanaî to qualify for the next World Cup in France. Masinga is married with Carol and has 2 children: Sifiso who is 6 and the little Teneko. He is used to eat very slowly enjoing his meals. Red wine and meat are his favourite option.