Boxing SA mourns Shoes's passing

Boxing South Africa (BSA) joined the nation in mourning the passing of Bafana Bafana midfield legend John "Shoes" Moshoeu and offered condolences to his family yesterday.

The 49-year-old star had been fighting stomach cancer for some time and finally lost the battle at Morningside Mediclinic, Sandton, on Tuesday afternoon.

BSA chairperson Ntambi Ravele - who has established links with football after serving as Premier Soccer League general manger and marketing manager between June 2005 and July 2007 - extended her board's condolences to Moshoeu's family, especially his mother.

''As a mother I know and understand the pain and suffering that Moshoeu's mother is going through during this difficult time," Ravele said yesterday.

''We wish her strength and wisdom to understand that what has happened to her and her entire family is not because they had done something wrong, but it goes to show we are all in transit."

Ravele described the former Giant Blackpool, Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu player as a great role model for South Africans.

''He also gave his all for the country when he was still part of Bafana Bafana," she said about the midfielder who also played for four clubs in Turkey.

''His passing is a great loss to all South Africans and the sporting fraternity in particular."

Ravele also used the opportunity to condemn the xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals.

BSA interacts with many foreigners on a daily basis, including talented Congolese boxer Ilunga Makabu, whose career is guided by trainer Nick Durandt.

''Boxing South Africa has noted with great sadness and concern the xenophobic attacks which have recently claimed the lives of both South Africans and foreign nationals. We condemn the attacks in the strongest terms. Boxing South Africa has stakeholder relationships with other African boxing bodies and the participation of foreign boxers in South Africa has enriched the sport in our country," she said.

''The xenophobic attacks do damage to the relationships and also the sport of boxing as a whole."