Legendary 45-year-old 'teenager' still a star

Mcuh like the character Benjamin Button who defies science by aging in reverse, John Lesiba "Shoes" Moshoeu continues to defy age as he dazzles the crowds and baffles the opposition with sterling performances for Alexander United in the Vodacom League.

"If you were to see Shoes playing today, you would swear he's still a teenager," says Alexander United managing director Nathi Masika. "In our last game against Trabzon, Shoes scored a goal and created the other two.

"Shoes joined us about three months ago from Highlands Park. In that time he's been a revelation on and off the field. He's become a key member of the team while also serving as a role model for the youngsters.

"Shoes has also invested in the club by becoming a shareholder, so you can consider him a player-owner."

As a member of arguably the best midfield quartet South African football has ever produced alongside Doctor Khumalo, Eric Tinkler and Linda Buthelezi and a winner on numerous occasions with Bafana Bafana, Fenerbahçe, and Kaizer Chiefs, one would think Moshoeu would - at the ripe old age of 45 - be content to sit in his lounge gazing at his medal-display cabinet and reminisce about an enviable career.

But Moshoeu is not even contemplating retirement. Mention the dreaded word and you get a curt response: "I'm not taking drugs, I'm playing football. Why should I stop?"

Says Moshoeu: "A lot of people turn 30 and believe they are old and then start thinking like old people. I've been able to play this long by staying fit, believing in my ability to compete, and by ensuring I avoid negative stories in the media about being too old."

It is not fear of life after football either that has prolonged his career, even though Moshoeu acknowledges that "life after football can be quite daunting. As a player your life is planned out for you; you are told what to eat, where to go, and what time to go. To suddenly have to make those decisions by yourself can be quite tough".

But Moshoeu will be far from stranded after football.

As a co-owner of Gaza Energy, a company that deals in solar energy, Moshoeu has his bases covered.

He is also moving into the construction industry.

"We're in the process of buying into a construction company that has a revolutionary approach to RDP housing.

"We've already built two houses in White River, Mpumalanga, not far from the Mbombela Stadium. We use the traditional mud-and-reed technique that is common in the rural areas. We've replaced the mud with concrete and the reeds with steel and there are no bricks involved. This technique eliminates the possibility of cracks and is widely used in America and Canada," says Moshoeu.

He also finds time to work as a life coach at Rena le Lona Day Care Centre in Diepkloof, Soweto.

"The centre looks after children who have lost their parents to Aids, xenophobic attacks, and for any other reason," says Moshoeu.

"We assist the kids through art, comedy, sports and education. We have life coaches who specialise in each sector. There is nothing more gratifying than watching these kids grow and regain their confidence. The highlight for me to date was seeing six of the guys I coach being selected as part of the McDonald's Player Escorts for the England versus US game in Rustenburg."