“I first saw ‘Shoes’ play when I was 13-years-old,” reflected Kaizer Chiefs legend Arthur Zwane about his former teammate John Moshoeu at Friday’s memorial service. “He was so skilful and he would tear opponent’s defences apart thanks to his immense ball-handling skills.”

Moshoeu’s memorial service was held at Soweto’s Grace Bible Church in Soweto. The South African and Kaizer Chiefs legend passed away earlier this week at the age of 49.

The former midfielder played for Amakhosi in 1993 and again from 2003 until 2006. In between, Moshoeu starred in Turkey.

Zwane joined Chiefs in 2000 and was Moshoeu’s teammate when the league title was won (2004 and 2005) as well as three cup trophies (Coca-Cola Cup in 2003 and 2004, the Absa Cup in 2006). The speedy and skilful winger retired in 2010. He is now a youth coach at Amakhosi’s development structures.

“I decided to play soccer after having watched Shoes in action,” continued Zwane at the memorial service. “And because God is great, I ended up playing with him.”

“After Shoes joined Chiefs, I always wanted to share a table with him. At first, I was a bit scared and shy, thinking he would ignore me. But he never did, always willing to share some advice.”

“He could also be funny and we had many light moments at training.”

“We ask ourselves now - how many players like Shoes will we see in our lifetime? He was so gifted. The only difference between him and Zinedine Zidane is that Shoes was born in South Africa and Zidane in France. But they had the same qualities.”

“I thank God for having played alongside one of the best soccer players in the world. He was my hero and he changed many lives, including mine.”

“On behalf of the Kaizer Chiefs family, we pass our condolences”, concluded Zwane his speech at Moshoeu’s memorial service.

Numerous former Amakhosi players were at the service, including Kaizer Motaung Jnr, Gerald Sibeko, Jimmy Tau, Cyril Nzama, Thabo Mooki, Stanton Fredericks, Lucas Radebe, Steve Komphela, Brian Mathe, Bradley Carnell, Ace Khuse, Jabulani Mendu, Doctor Khumalo and Patrick Mabedi.

Siphiwe Tshabalala and Reneilwe Letsholonyane represented the present squad, while Chiefs’ Football Manager Bobby Motaung was also in attendance.

Moshoeu’s funeral will be held on Monday, 27 April, at 9:00. The venue will again be the Grace Bible Church in Soweto.