Sowetan

Masingi lived for football

Ex-player finally gives in to illness

- By Frank Maponya

Born: August 22 1964 Died: January 6 Funeral: Tomorrow, at home in Seshego Zone 3 at 7am Burial: Seshego Cemetery

The death of former Orlando Pirates FC defender Kingsley Masingi has left his mother devastated.

“Bonecrushe­r”, as Masingi was affectiona­tely known, died on Saturday at his home in Seshego, Polokwane, Limpopo, after a long illness.

At the time of his death, Masingi, 53, was working as a gardener at Transnet offices in Polokwane.

He played for the Buccaneers between 1987 and 1989 after his exploits at the now defunct Seshego Stonebreak­ers.

He played alongside soccer greats such as Nick “Bazooka” Seshweni, Ernest “Botsotso” Makhanya, Innocent “Ayobayo” Mayoyo and Jackie “Styles” Ledwaba.

His mother, Matshidiso Masingi, said she enjoyed herself during her son’s days at Pirates. “I believe that his sudden departure is the will of God,” she said.

The 70-year-old said she used to travel around the country to attend Pirates’ matches.

After leaving Pirates, Masingi was snatched by Bushbuckri­dge-based National First Division side Health Centre. He played for the team until he retired.

He attended Dorothy Langa Primary School, then went to Khaiso High in Seshego and matriculat­ed at Seshigo High in Moletji.

He later enrolled at Shikwane Matlala Technical College (now Capricorn TVET College), where he completed his N4 diploma.

He leaves his mother, three daughters, four grandchild­ren, two sisters and a brother.

 ??  ?? Former Orlando Pirates defender Kingsley Masingi.
Former Orlando Pirates defender Kingsley Masingi.

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