Late Bafana Bafana legend Philemon ‘Chippa’ Masinga will be given a provincial official funeral when he is buried in Klerksdorp in the North West on January 24.
According to the Sowetan, the National Sports Ministry had given the request to president Cyril Ramaphosa and the green light has reportedly been given for it to go ahead.
Sports Ministry spokesman Vuyo Mhaga told the publication: “Yes the request has been received (by president Ramaphosa) and we are actually processing that with the office of the premier in North West.
“In no time we will be able to bring South Africans into our confidence that the request has been approved by the president (Ramaphosa).
“The family has also indicated that the memorial service will be held in Johannesburg on Friday (January 18) and another one will be held in North West next Tuesday.
“But the details of the venues will possibly be communicated sometime tomorrow (Wednesday).”
Meanwhile, the president of the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA), Buddha Mathathe, added that the Klerksdorp Stadium was the striker’s last wish for the venue.
He said: “We had a meeting at Safa House on Monday with the president of Safa Danny Jordaan and government officials from the sport ministry.
“Masinga’s family, his (fiancee) and eldest son, and other family members were there and we agreed that we will give Chippa a provincial government funeral in North West.”
