FOOTBALL WAS IN HIS DNA
He had diamonds on the soles of his shoes
HIS name will forever be synonymous with football.
Football was in John “Shoes ” Moshoeu ’ s DNA and we will always remember him for entertaining us for so many years.
His death on Tuesday has robbed the nation of a role model and motivator who worked hard to uplift the communities of Alexandra and Diepkloof in Soweto. He bought youngsters from Diepkloof, where he was born, shoes through his project. He lived by his sobriquet.
While the highlight of Moshoeu ’ s career is no doubt Bafana ’ s 1996 victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, many still remember him as a wide-eyed, hard running midfielder for Giant Blackpool.
Part of the devastating trio called the “Triple M ”– made up of himself, Fani Madida and Geelbooi “Gomma Gomma ” Masango, Moshoeu ’ s star shone brightest when he was still with the former “giant killers ”.
It was little wonder that the midfielder was said to have “diamonds on the soles of his shoes ”.
It was only a matter of time before he caught the attention of the bigger clubs. Legend has it that, so high was his stock that Orlando Pirates, failing to come up with the funds to pay for his signature, turned to their supporters to put money in a kitty box to sign Moshoeu. Club chairman Irvin Khoza also recently revealed that slain SACP leader Chris Hani rang him and told him to come up with the money to sign him.
Sensing that their rivals were struggling to come up with the money, Kaizer Chiefs moved in and sealed the deal. Moshoeu ’ s transfer – a record-smashing R250 000 at the time – saw him donning the black and gold of Chiefs.
He would not stay with the club for long though. A visit by British football clubs for a series of friendly matches saw Moshoeu pitting his skills against international stars. Word has it that watching the matches were scouts who had come to check out one of Moshoeu ’ s team mates. In the end, Moshoeu won them over with his skills and soon he was on his way to Turkey.
He spent 10 successful years in Europe. On his return in 2003, Moshoeu re-joined Chiefs. Even in the twilight of his career, Moshoeu defied the odds.
He covered every inch of the pitch and outran most of his younger teammates and opponents. As a result, with Moshoeu the driving force behind the rampant Ted Dumitru-led Chiefs, the club won two consecutive league titles. Moshoeu then left Chiefs to join AmaZulu, where he was reunited with Clive Barker as the curtain on a glamorous career came down. After his spell with Usuthu, he joined third-tier Alexandra United where he had dual roles as a player and coach.
South African football is poorer without him. At 49, Moshoeu still had a lot to offer the game.
He also had a penchant for scoring vital goals for Bafana and the teams he played for.
Moshoeu spoke very little but whenever he said something, everybody sat up and listened.
Although always ruthless on the pitch, he was a totally different person off it. He did not allow his wealth and fame to go to his head. I still remember the time when a former colleague, who was also his homeboy, jokingly asked him to buy him beer after a Chiefs match.
Shoes refused and explained: “I will never buy you alcohol but rather give you money to do something for the kids at home. I grew up with you and won ’ t destroy you with alcohol.”
Moshoeu was a teetotaller and non-smoker who led an active, healthy lifestyle. It is therefore such a cruel blow for someone who cared so much for his body to die so young. Farewell Lesiba, you did it your way. We are thankful for the entertainment and your wisdom.
A memorial service for Moshoeu will be held today at the Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, at noon, while his funeral is scheduled for Monday. –
I grew up with you. I won ’ t destroy you with alcohol