Lucas Radebe remains one of the most accomplished South African sports stars having captained Kaizer Chiefs, Leeds United and Bafana Bafana.
The 55-year-old former defender spent most of his playing days at Leeds where he earned ‘cult-hero’ status.
Rhoo as he is affectionately known, was spotted by the late Patrick ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe who recruited him to Chiefs in 1989. Radebe originally started his career as a goalkeeper but switched positions to central midfield and before settling in central defence.
At Kaizer Chiefs, Lucas Radebe excelled and was often rated the best defender in the country despite being less than 25. In 1994, he joined English side Leeds together with his fellow countrymen Philemon Masinga.
While Masinga never settled in Yorkshire, Radebe did fight for his place in the team despite injuries. The former Bafana Bafana’s career with Leeds took off when George Graham took over as coach. Radebe was made captain of the team in 1998 and during that period, Leeds enjoyed a period of relative success.
In the 1998–99 season, they finished fourth in the English Premiership, qualifying for the UEFA Cup. The following year, Leeds finished third in the Premier League and qualified for the following season’s UEFA Champions League where they eventually reached the semi-finals.
in 2000, Lucas Radebe sustained knee and ankle injuries, which kept him out of the game for almost two years. He did recover in time for the 2002 World Cup where he captained his side for the second consecutive global showpiece.
At his peak, Rhoo turned down the chance to move to Manchester United, AC Milan and Roma.
Lucas Radebe captained Bafana in two World Cups
At the age of 36, Radebe played his last match for Bafana against England on 22 May 2003. Two years later, retired from football and represented just two clubs professionally.
Since his retirement, the ex-Chiefs captain has been involved in several educational, social and charitable initiatives. In 2000, he received the FIFA Fair Play Award in December for his contribution to ridding soccer of racism as well as for his work with children in South Africa.
Lucas Radebe also runs the ET Radebe Foundation which is a non-profit organisation which focuses on youth development. In September 2022, Rhoo was also named on the Safa technical committee. Last year reports emerged that the former Bafana captain was also eyeing the SAFA presidency post.
The 55-year-old soccer legend served with honour, and dignity not only for his country but for Leeds United as well. If anyone deserves the highest position in SA football, it is none other than Lucas ‘Rhoo’ Radebe.
Is Radebe celebrated enough in South Africa?
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