John 'Shoes' Moshoeu dies aged 49
Moshoeu represented South Africa in 73 internationals and scored eight goals for Bafana Bafana.
Moshoeu was a member of the national squad that won the African Nations Cup on home soil back in 1996.
Moshoeu, born in Soweto, spent several seasons playing his club football in Turkey.
He also had spells at the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Amazulu.
His agent Glyn Binkin this afternoon confirmed that Moshoeu had lost his battle with cancer.
Binkin, who was also the team manager for Bafana Bafana in 1996, has been at the hospital for most of the afternoon and says it's a sad day for South Africa, Africa and the football fraternity to lose one of the country's sporting legends.
Binkin says although Shoes has battled with cancer for some time now, "one never is really prepared for that eventual situation."
"The family is still in shock. It is still very raw - a real sad time for them.The family would really like to be left in peace to be able to mourn. With ll the speculation that arose months ago - he has passed on, it's true and it's confirmed now that he passed away from cancer. That's the reality of the situation," he said.
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
He may be gone but will never be forgotten and his family have requested their privacy and that they may be allowed to mourn in peace.
— Glyn Binkin (@Glyn_Binkin) April 21, 2015
Here are some of the tributes posted on Twitter.
Who can forget that 1989 partnership he had with Goma Goma, Fanie Madida at Sharp Black Pool! The one that hit big teams 4 by 4 #RIPShoes
— Maphuti Komape (@Maphuti_13) 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
My knowledge of Shoes Moshoeu is limited to archive footage, but everyone tells me what a great player and a gentleman he was. #RIPShoes
— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) April 21, 2015
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
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