John “Shoes” Moshoeu fought until the end

Johannesburg – John “Shoes” Moshoeu fought his cancer until the very end, his family said on Friday.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana player was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, his cousin told mourners at Moshoeu’s memorial service at Grace Bible Church in Soweto.

“(He was) a man of deep faith. He never gave up hope for a full recovery,” she said.

The former football legend died on April 21.

Ronnie Zondi of the SA Masters and Legends Football Association described Moshoeu as a man of great determination.

“He is the only professional football player who joined an amateur team as far as I know. That is how humble he was.

“We will never see a life like Shoes again,  he said.

Football fans dressed in club T-shirts, mostly those of Kaizer Chiefs shouted “Shoes” as each speaker took to the podium.

A loud howl of the nickname from the crowds at stadiums were often heard whenever Moshoeu took possession of the ball during matches.

Attending the memorial service were former football giants Lucas Radebe, Andre Arendse as well as former Bafana coach Clive Barker.

Head of the SA Football Association Danny Jordan was also amongst the dignitaries.