Hunt leads Pirates legend John Moeti tributes from SA coaches

Condolences continue to pour in for the late former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United captain John Moeti.

The 55-year-old legend passed on in the early hours of Monday morning. This follows a long battle with an undisclosed illness for the past eight months.

SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt led tributes from SA coaches as he praised Moeti for being a great servant of the game.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Rulani Mokwena are among the SA tacticians in the DStv Premiership, who also saluted Moeti with heartfelt messages.

GAVIN HUNT’S TRIBUTE TO JOHN MOETI

Speaking ahead of their Nedbank Cup last 32 clash against Dondol Stars on Wednesday, Hunt said: “The passing away of John [Moeti] was very sudden. In the football fraternity we all knew him very well.

“He was a great servant of the game, what he achieved in the game was also of good high standards, Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] and CAF Champions League.

“It was a huge blow waking up to it [news] this morning [Monday]. It’s very sad and he was a big servant of SuperSport at the later stages of his career.

“Him and Tommy (Thomas Madigage) played together, so I knew them well and this is part of life and it’s really sad so he is in our thoughts and prayers at this moment,” added Hunt.

Meanwhile, Amakhosi coach Zwane said that Moeti was a humble disciplinarian and very dedicated during his playing days.

ARTHUR ZWANE ON JOHN MOETI’S INFLUENCE

“It is sad to lose someone you know. I played with John at Pirates, he was my senior, very humble person,” said Zwane.

“He was very dedicated and disciplined. John was also one of the seniors that used to call us to order.

“And we had to listen to him when he was talking to us trying to help us to understand or see things differently.

“The nation has lost a giant and condolences to his family.”

In addition Sundowns coach Mokwena described Moeti as a player that revolutionised the defensive midfield position.

Mokwena also shared his memories of watching the legendary Moeti in action.

RULANI MOKWENA REVEALS ADMIRATION FOR JOHN MOETI

“Moeti is a player that I admired as a kid growing up. I have vivid memories of the Ellis Park game that resulted in a stampede,” stated Mokwena. “He was very good that day.

“He is a player that that made us consider the sixth position as a very important position in football and for sure, he’s made his contribution and he will have his soul live on in the hearts of the people he touched.

“As Mamelodi Sundowns, offer our sincerest condolences to the Moeti family and may his soul rest in peace.”

The Moeti family is yet to announce the details of the memorial and funeral services for the Bafana Bafana legend.

RELATED STORY: Orlando Pirates and Bafana legend John Moeti passes on