Phil Masinga in action for Leeds United

Former Leeds United and South Africa striker Phil Masinga has died aged 49.

Masinga played for Leeds between 1994 and 1996 making 31 appearances and scoring five goals.

He was signed for Leeds by then manager Howard Wilkinson at the same time as his compatriot Lucas Radebe.

Masinga left for Swiss side St Gallen in 1996 and went on to play for Salernitana and Bari in Italy.

He won 58 caps for South Africa, helping them win the African Nations Cup on home soil in 1996.

Masinga also scored the decisive goal against Congo which sealed South Africa's qualification for the 1998 World Cup, the first time they had qualified for the tournament.

He died after a long undisclosed illness.

A statement from Leeds read: "It is with great sadness that the club has learnt of former striker Phil Masinga's passing. The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with his family and friends."

It is with great sadness that the club has learnt of former striker Phil Masinga’s passing. The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/d0H0EO8idl — Leeds United (@LUFC) January 13, 2019

Sad day for South African football.

A loyal servant of the game, on and off the field of play - SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan on passing away of @BafanaBafana legend Phil Masinga — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 13, 2019

"Sad day for South African football," said South Africa Football Association president Danny Jordaan.

"A loyal servant of the game, on and off the field of play."