
Moshoeu passed away at around 3pm on Tuesday. His agent, Glyn Binkin, confirmed his death 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, who hung up his boots after spending several seasons with third-tier side Alexandra United in May 2014, died after a long battle with cancer. In February, the 49-year-old Moshoeu was admitted to Charlotte Maxeke hospital in Johannesburg and discharged later that month.
Moshoeu, who was affectionately known as “Shoes” by fans, played for Giant Blackpool before joining Kaizer Chiefs. The Soweto star was also part of a Bafana Bafana team that clinched the country’s only Africa Cup of Nations title in 1996. He was capped 73 times and scored 8 times for his home country.
Football analyst Robert Marawa paid tribute to Moshoeu in pictures on Twitter.
Memories: Deep in thought with Brendan Augustine, Phil Masinga & Mark Fish at Afcon ’98… #RIPShoes pic.twitter.com/XP4zsH2C4E
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) April 21, 2015
In the presence of some members of the Class of ’96 by his bedside, John “Shoes” Moshoeu passed away at 15H00 this afternoon. #RIPShoes
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) April 21, 2015
Celebrating the League Championship in 2004/2005 with Kaizer Chiefs!! #RIPShoes pic.twitter.com/awMMnfbeyD
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) April 21, 2015
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula issued a statement after receiving the news about Moshoeu’s passing.
“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
In a series of tweets, his former team Kaizer Chiefs shared some of the best moments they shared with Moshoeu.
Gone too soon #RIPShoes pic.twitter.com/1M4qsqPfmQ
— Kaizer Chiefs (@Kaizer_Chiefs) April 21, 2015
We are deeply saddened by the passing on of KC Legend, John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu. Our condolences to his family & friends. Lala ngoxolo #RIPShoes
— Kaizer Chiefs (@Kaizer_Chiefs) April 21, 2015
Another legend has fallen… Rest in peace John “Shoes” Mosheou #RIPShoes Condolences to the family, friends & the football fraternity
— #SayNoToXenophobia (@MkhulekoHlengwa) April 21, 2015
“Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so” #RIPShoes
— Kaizer Chiefs (@Kaizer_Chiefs) April 21, 2015
“Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so” #RIPShoes
— Kaizer Chiefs (@Kaizer_Chiefs) April 21, 2015
“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
“He (Shoes) was a great player, a nice & modest person & he would never be in the media for the wrong reasons’” – Kaizer Motaung #RIPShoes
— Kaizer Chiefs (@Kaizer_Chiefs) April 21, 2015
Fans, football players, clubs, soccer coaches and analysts also paid homage, many describing him as a legend.
Watched Shoes’ interview with Ali Bacher last night,what a guy!! Blessed to have seen a player like him in this lifetime. #RIPShoes
— Joy (@MissJoy_01) April 22, 2015
Rest in Peace Shoes “zicatula zomesisi” Mosheu, w’ll miss u brother! @Orlando_Pirates
— Oupa Mathew Manyisa™ (@CeoReggy) April 21, 2015
Geçmi? olsun John Leshiba Mosheu pic.twitter.com/BfQGkmANV7
— FourFourTwo Türkiye (@FourFourTwoTR) February 27, 2015
Funeral arrangements are being arranged and details will be released soon.
RIP “Shoes”. Born 18 December 1965, Died 21 April 2015.