Cape Town - The football world was mourning the passing of legendary Bafana Bafana striker, Phil "Chippa" Masinga on Sunday.

Masinga, who spent time in hospital in December after he was diagnosed with cancer was 49.

READ: 'Sad day for South African football' - Fans react to Phil Masinga's passing

The tall striker played for a number of clubs during his distinguished career, including a spell at Leeds United in the English Premiership in the mid-1990's. 

"Chippa" as he was affectionately known to South African fans played 40 times for the club, scoring 11 goals.

Masinga wrote himself into Leeds folklore on January 18, 1995 when he scored a nine minute hat-trick for the club after coming on as a 91st minute substitute against Walsall in an FA Cup encounter at Elland Road.

With the teams locked 2-all in extra time, Masinga scored his first in the 105th minute after combining with the late Gary Speed.

His second came with a glancing header from a Gary McAllister corner while his third, and best of the lot saw Masinga curl the ball past the advancing Walsall keeper from 15 metres out.

Masinga's feet quickly made him a Leeds cult hero. He stayed at the club until 1996.