CAPE TOWN – Leeds United have announced former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe as an official club ambassador.
Signing for Leeds in 1994, he aided in a successful period for the club in the Premier League, alongside racking up several significant individual awards for his commitment to the community and speaking on important subjects.
After a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, Lucas was announced as Leeds United Player of the Year 1998 and club captain, leading the side to even higher heights in the 1999/2000 campaign, finishing third and securing qualification to the Champions League.
The following season, Lucas helped Leeds reach the competition’s semi-final.
Radebe scored three goals in his time for the Whites, with two coming in European competitions against Partizan Belgrade and Spartak Moscow, and over the span of his playing career, he tallied up 70 caps for South Africa, scoring twice for Bafana Bafana.
“Lucas is a focal point for award-winning educational schemes and anti-racism campaigns, and his dedication to supporting the Leeds community on numerous important topics has been astounding, demonstrated through the many awards he has received,” said Leeds United statement.
“Lucas was rewarded with the Big Issue Difference Award for his involvement in the Leeds United Book Challenge and the Leeds United Against Racism Schools Project, which used the power of football to promote reading and tackle racism, successfully encouraging 12,500 people to read over 500,000 extra books.”
Radebe retired from football in 2005, having amassed 262 appearances for Leeds United, going down as one greatest ever to grace the Elland Road pitch.
“It is an honour to welcome Lucas back to the club, with the official announcement made at half-time of the club’s Premier League fixture with AFC Bournemouth, where he was introduced to the pitch and we look forward to the future.” continues Leeds statement.
