Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder John “Shoes” Moshoeu, 49, died yesterday after a prolonged battle with stomach cancer.
His agent Glyn Binkin broke the news on Twitter.
John Shoes Moshoeu sadly passed away at 15h00 this afternoon after a long but brave battle with cancer. May his dear soul rest in peace!!
— Glyn Binkin (@Glyn_Binkin) April 21, 2015
Moshoeu was one of the top players during Bafana Bafana’s triumphant Africa Cup of Nations in 1996. He was capped 73 times for South Africa and scored eight times.
The South African Sports Minister, Fikile Mbalula passed condolonces to Moshoeu’s family and football fraternity.
Just got the sad news of the passing away of Shoes Mosoeu another football legend #RIPShoes
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) April 21, 2015
“Our country is poorer without him” Minister @MbalulaFikile on the passing of Shoes Moshoeu pic.twitter.com/GbJEja3QEv — Dep. Sport & Rec (@SPORTandREC_RSA) April 21, 2015
He began his career in Diepkloof with local football club Blue Whales before joining Kaizer Chiefs. He was one of Kaizer Chiefs’ most valuable players from 1988 to 1993.
In May 2014, Moshoeu hung up his boots after spending several seasons with third-tier side Alexandra United. South African soccer stars and fans have expressed their grief on twitter.
“We became team-mates & room-mates at Kaizer Chiefs & Bafana Bafana. I will miss him & may his (Shoes) soul rest in peace” – Doctor Khumalo — Kaizer Chiefs (@Kaizer_Chiefs) April 21, 2015
RIP to one of the most special individual I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You will be missed #ShoesMoshoeu pic.twitter.com/X93PxI5tEo — Jonathan Fairbairn (@Jonoloud) April 21, 2015
