When the news broke that John “Shoes” Moshoeu had died, it trended on Twitter almost immediately, with friends and fans sharing in their loss.
The word that he had died came when his manager Glyn Binkin tweeted: “John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu sadly passed away at 3pm today after a long but brave battle with cancer.
“May his soul rest in peace! He may be gone but will never be forgotten. His family have requested their privacy and that they may be allowed to mourn in peace.”
The former Kaizer Chiefs and Amazulu star had been hospitalised at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital since February and finally lost the battle to cancer, according to Binkin.
David Nyathi, who played with Moshoeu as part of the squad that travelled to France for the 1998 Fifa World Cup, said he was shocked by the news that Moshoeu was dead.
“He suffered a long illness, so maybe this was the best decision God could take for him. We thank God that he could grace us with his presence. We have to appreciate the contribution he made,” he said.
“Moshoeu was a humble and intelligent man. We learnt a lot from him. He had a good heart and loved children. He gave a lot to charity. He taught us to do good. He had the ability to take every moment as it comes, he was very disciplined,” he added.
Political parties also sent condolences. ANC spokesman Zizi Kodwa said: “The ANC sends its condolences to the Moshoeu family, the SA Football Association and the football fraternity.”
EFF spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said: “It is impossible to imagine victory at the historic African Cup of Nations of 1996 without the skill, precision, pace and brilliant goals delivered by ‘Shoes’. He is part of a generation whose contribution to national pride and soccer itself remains unmatched to this day.”
The DA’s sports and recreation spokesman, Solly Malatsi MP, said: “His imprint on South African football is indelible. Such was his popularity that skilful soccer stars in many townships were nicknamed after him.”
Premier Soccer League boss Brand de Villiers said: “Shoes belonged to a generation of footballers who will always have a special place in the hearts of South Africans. He was a great ambassador and we will treasure the memories of his life, be it at Kaizer Chiefs, Amazulu or with Bafana Bafana.” - The Star