WINDHOEK – Retired Brave Warriors inspirational captain Bimbo Tjihero, has described the late John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu as one of the most skilful, creative and highly talented midfielders Africa has ever produced.
Moshoeu, who won 73 caps for Bafana Bafana and enjoyed a stellar stint in South Africa’s historic 1996 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, died on Tuesday following a long battle with stomach cancer.
Tjihero, a legend himself and a dead-ball specialists widely admired for his uncompromising tackling and never-say-die attitude during his heyday, says Moshoeu is one of the players who spearheaded the transformation of the South African football team that made headlines on the African continent between 1995 and 1999.
“I vividly remember our numerous encounters, especially the 1998 Cosafa Cup clash when we beat them 3-2. He gave us countless problems during that match – making killer passes and dominating the midfield with his trademark twist and turns, he was just phenomenal,” reminisced Tjihero.
“One thing that ‘Shoes’ had which many a time is lacking in most footballers is commitment and desire to excel at all times. Just because of his commitment, he played at the highest level until his late thirties and even featured for Kaizer Chiefs at the age of 40. He was born to be a midfielder and that’s what he went on to become.”
The creative midfielder joined Chiefs from Blackpool in 1993, where he formed a deadly combination with Fani Madida, Jury Bantwana, Geelboy Masango and Jerry Sikhosana for Coloured Passmore’s exciting outfit. He was given his first team debut by the then head coach Sergio dos Santos.