Shoes helped my son’s soccer dream come true- Mdhluli

Tinyiko Mdhluli, a Hlanganani Soweto Youth Sporting coach, still remembers the day when the late soccer legend John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu, spotted her son Xolani.

For the 13-year-old being scouted by Shoes to play for Mamelodi Sundowns Academy  U\13 was the ultimate dream.

“He contributed a lot in my son’s football life.

“Shoes made follow ups at Xolani’s games and convinced the Sundowns development that Xolani was the player to watch,” she said.

Mdhluli said Xolani was a standout playmaker at the trials, which made Shoes like him.

“Shoes was like a brother to me and mentor to my son.

“The late Bafana star used to attend most of my team’s matches and today I have a D license coaching development programme certificate, because of his support.

“My son was also one of the 1200 lucky children that were chosen to be part of the McDonald’s player escort programme in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“Through this programme Moshoeu also gave Xolani a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk with his soccer hero Lionel Messi.

“I feel very sad at this moment. Shoes had a giving heart like Mandela.

“I am grateful to have met him.

“Above all, I gained such tremendous inspiration and support from him, may his soul rest in peace,” Mdhluli said.