South African football mourns the passing of Jackie “Asinamali” Masike, a legendary central defender and one of the founding members of Kaizer Chiefs.
Masike, a formidable presence on the field during his playing days, passed away at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Thursday night. His death marks the loss of a key figure in the history of one of South Africa's most iconic football clubs.
News of Masike's passing was confirmed on Friday morning by a close friend, who spoke to ZiMoja on condition of anonymity, pending official confirmation from Kaizer Chiefs.
"He has been in and out of the hospital. He was not feeling well in the past few months," the friend explained, offering a glimpse into Masike's health struggles in the lead-up to his death. Masike's contributions to Kaizer Chiefs extended far beyond his impressive playing career.
Masike was instrumental in establishing Kaizer Chiefs when Kaizer Motaung formed Kaizer XI after leaving Orlando Pirates. He was a key member of the team that rose to prominence throughout the 1970s and 80s, solidifying Chiefs' reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
His presence on the pitch was a significant factor in the team's success during this period. His contributions were vital to the team's success, and he is remembered as one of the players who made Chiefs a formidable side.
His playing career with Amakhosi spanned from 1970 to 1982, a period marked by significant achievements. He was part of the triumphant 1981 team that secured a remarkable quadruple: the league title, the Mainstay Cup, the BP Top 8, and the Champion of Champions.
This outstanding achievement cemented his place in Kaizer Chiefs' history and showcased his talent and dedication to the team. Further adding to his impressive trophy cabinet, Masike also won the 1980 Sales House Champion of Champions, the 1982 Mainstay Cup, the 1982 BP Top 8, and the 1982 Sales House Champion of Champions.
Beyond his on-field prowess, Masike was also known for his involvement in community initiatives. He was among the Kaizer Chiefs legends who dedicated their time to visiting children with cancer at Bara Hospital, working alongside other greats such as Chiefs goalkeeper Joseph Banks Sethlodi and philanthropist Thulani Msimang. This demonstrates a side of Masike beyond the football pitch, highlighting his compassion and commitment to giving back to the community. His legacy extends beyond the football field, showcasing his humanitarian side.
Masike's connection to Kaizer Motaung spanned decades. In a letter written to Motaung on the occasion of his 80th birthday in October, Masike penned a heartfelt tribute: "As the Chairman celebrates 80 years of life, I look back upon his life and go back to my first interactions with him back in 1969.
"I have known 'Bra K' for 55 years and in all of this time, I can say that he has been a very kind, honest, and generous human being. I travelled with him for football, and, in general, he was always and still is a welcoming person who looks out for his peers and is always happy to help. As a footballer, he was the best we had in the Kaizer XI and Kaizer Chiefs. He was a great teammate, and I wish him many more years of life."
This letter beautifully encapsulates the long-standing relationship and mutual respect between Masike and Motaung, two pivotal figures in Kaizer Chiefs' history. He was also present at the club's 50th-anniversary celebrations, where a new black and gold replica was unveiled, further highlighting his enduring connection to the club.
