Cape Town - Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula on Tuesday led tributes for former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu who died of cancer.
“We dip our banners for the fallen legend. His passing came a few minutes after we laid to rest the ashes of Dr Steve Kalamazoo Mokone and just few weeks after we bid farewell to Richard Henyekana, all of them have left marks in football that will ensure we never forget the rich legacy they leave behind,” Mbalula said.
“Our country is poorer without him.”
The 49-year-old ‘Shoes’ was capped 73 times for Bafana Bafana and was one of the key players in the national squad that lifted the 1996 African Cup of Nations trophy.
He scored four goals in that tournament, which was hosted in Johannesburg.
The African National Congress (ANC) added its voice to the tributes.
“The former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs star, was an outstanding sportsman and an icon of our football loving nation,” the ANC said in a statement.
“His talent was also seen worldwide as he also played for various clubs in Turkey. “
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also expressed its condolences.
“His imprint on South African football is indelible. Such was his popularity that skillful soccer stars in many townships were nicknamed after him,” said DA MP Solly Malatsi.
ANA