English Premier League side Leeds United have officially appointed their legend and former Bafana Bafana captain, Lucas Radebe, as an official club ambassador.
Radebe is a highly regarded figure in Leeds as well as in the English Premiership, having spent over a decade at the club.
His influence also goes beyond just football in the country. The 56-year-old has had a beer named “Radebeer,” a bus named after him, and the Radebe Suite at Elland Road Stadium in his honour.
The British rock band Kaiser Chiefs is named after Kaizer Chiefs, Radebe’s former South African club.
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In a statement on Saturday, Leeds confirmed Radebe’s appointment as their ambassador, also reflecting on his journey at the club.
“Leeds United are delighted to announce Lucas Radebe as an official club ambassador,” the club said.
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“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.
“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,” the club said.
During his time at the club, Radebe was announced as Leeds United Player of the Year 1998 and club captain.
He also led the club to higher heights in the 1999/2000 campaign, finishing third in the league and securing qualification to the UEFA Champions League.
The following season, the former Bafana captain helped Leeds reach the competition’s semi-final. He scored three goals in his time for the Whites.
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