John Moeti

John Moeti (30 August 1967 – 6 February 2023) was a South African former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He played club football for Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United; he also earned 29 caps for the South Africa national side between 1995 and 1999, scoring one goal. He won the CAF Champions League in 1995 when Pirates defeated ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast in the final. He was part of the squad that won the 1996 African Cup of Nations. John Moeti's style of play was characterized by his technical skills, vision, and ability to create and control space. As a midfielder, he was known for his positioning, passing, and ability to link up with teammates to facilitate offensive plays. Moeti's leadership on the field was also a notable aspect of his playstyle, as he guided his team to success during his career. His contributions to the game were not only on the pitch but also in the off-pitch, as he was a respected figure in South African football. Regarded as one of the finest South Africa's midfielders ever. 

Club career
Moeti played for the Orlando Pirates from 1985 to 1999. With this club, he won the CAF Champions League in 1995 and the CAF Super Cup, MTN 8 and Nedbank Cup the following year. In 1999, he moved to SuperSport United from Pretoria, where he ended his career in 2001.

International career
Between 1995 and 1999, Moeti played 29 international matches for the South African national team, in which he scored one goal.

At the 1996 African Cup of Nations on home soil, Moeti was part of the team that won the title of African Champion for South Africa for the first time. During the tournament, he played in the semi-final match against Ghana, coming on as a substitute for Linda Buthelezi in the 76th minute. By winning the Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa qualified for the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup. In this tournament, Moeti was used in all three group games. South Africa was eliminated after the preliminary round as the bottom of the group.

As defending champions, South Africa again reached the final of the 1998 African Cup of Nations, but lost 2–0 to Egypt. In this game, Moeti was on the pitch for the full duration of the game. He played a total of four games during the tournament. 

Moeti was not considered for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, for which South Africa had qualified for the first time.

Death
He died suddenly on February 6, 2023 at the age of 55.

Honours
CAF Champions League: 1995
CAF Super Cup: 1996
Nedbank Cup: 1996
MTN 8: 1996
Africa Cup of Nations: 1996
Africa Cup of Nations: 1998; runner-up

References

Category:1967 births
Category:2023 deaths
Category:South African soccer players
Category:Association football midfielders