There are two things that stand out for Glyn Binkin when asked about his close friend John “Shoes” Moshoeu.
It was the magic that the former Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu star showed on the pitch, and the humility he displayed off it.
“In South Africa we throw around the word ‘legend’ far too often. But John really was a legend. He was an icon and a real hero on the football pitch,” said Binkin, who was Moshoeu’s business manager.
Binkin, who had worked with Moshoeu since 1993, was at his bedside at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Joburg when he passed away on Wednesday afternoon. He was with the football star’s family, close friends and a handful of his former teammates.
The 49-year-old died around 3pm after a long battle with cancer. The personal life of the Bafana Bafana midfielder was never really in the spotlight but news about his ill health broke late last year when he was admitted to hospital for an emergency operation.
It turned out that he had colon cancer.
“He suffered severely in the last few months,” said Binkin, who broke the news of Moshoeu’s death.
“It is a huge loss and we all are devastated. That said, John is not in pain anymore and is in a better place now.”
Binkin added that Moshoeu’s family were devastated, and so were his former teammates.
“John was very close to his teammates from the 1996 squad that won the African Cup of Nations. They are all struggling to come to terms with his passing. It’s been hard.”
Moshoeu’s health had deteriorated rapidly over the past few days, said Binkin.
“He said a few words to me on Monday but was really battling to talk. That was the last time we talked.”
Moshoeu began his career in Diepkloof with amateur team Blue Whales before joining Kaizer Chiefs’ reserve side. After failing to break in to the first team, he joined Giant Blackpool, where he teamed up with Fani Madida and Jury Bantwana.
In 1991 he helped Blackpool reach a famous JPS Cup final, where he ended up on the losing side against Dynamos.
Moshoeu returned to Amakhosi for his second spell in 1993 before leaving for Turkey, where he had stints with Gençlerbirligi, Fenerbahçe, Kocaelispor and Bursaspor. He retired last year, having spent several seasons at third-tier Alexandra United.
His return to South Africa saw him reunite with Amakhosi for his third and final spell and he helped them win back-to-back league titles under Ted Dumitru.
Moshoeu’s form also saw him selected for the 2004 African Nations Cup aged 38.
Binkin said that Moshoeu would not only be missed in South Africa.
“I was in Turkey a few months ago and someone asked me where I am from. When I told them I came from South Africa, they immediately asked about Shoes Moshoeu.
“He was loved in his home country as well as in Turkey, where he played for a few different clubs.”
Binkin described Moshoeu as one of the most humble human beings he had come across in his life.
“He was always so humble, so kind and so generous. He shied away from the spotlight. He did great things off the pitch without anybody knowing about it. That is the kind of person Shoes was.”
Moshoeu was especially helpful in his home town of Alexandra, where he owned a local amateur club, Vodacom League side Alexandra United, serving as coach.
“He gave up a huge chunk of his time to give back to the community. It’s a huge loss to the soccer fraternity and South Africa as a whole.
“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 came, he was very disciplined.”
Moshoeu had 73 caps for Bafana, scoring eight goals.
Tributes
Safa president Danny Jordaan: “Our deepest condolences to his family and friends for their loss. I hope they find strength in these difficult times. As the association, the passing on of this legend saddens us.”
Former teammate Marks Maponyane: “He was just a born dribbling wizard, and he wasn’t called Shoes for nothing – those shoes could dance.”
Former Bafana captain Lucas Radebe: “When I saw him struggling on Monday, I was heartbroken but I still expected that the fighter that Shoes was, he would pull through. What an exemplary figure he was on and off the pitch. He lived a clean life, never smoked or drank, exercised religiously, and this happens. Anyway that is life; we are never masters of our destiny.”
Former Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse: “Another one of our football legends has left us. It’s hard to believe that someone as endearing as Shoes has left us. I can’t get my head around it.”
Former Bafana midfielder Linda Buthelezi: “He was one of South Africa’s greatest footballers. When he had the ball, two opponents would be lying down and you’d see an opportunity for the other players. And that’s what made me realise he was one of the greatest footballers.”
Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula: “His passing came minutes after we laid to rest the ashes of Dr Steve Kalamazoo Mokone and just few weeks after we bid farewell to Richard Henyekane. All of them have left marks… that will ensure we never forget the… legacy they leave behind. Our country is poorer without him.”
Former Bafana player Mark Fish tweeted: “Through good times and bad… keep the laughter flowing… Shoes made me laugh all the time. RIP my friend.”
Former Bafana player Shaun Bartlett tweeted: “With a heavy heart I am posting this tweet. My deepest condolences to the Moshoeu family. Our prayers are with you.” - Independent on Saturday