Who is the Chief ? He is a man from South Africa who came to Leeds to play football for the club I support over ten years ago. His name - Lucas Radebe.
Nothing special in that no but you had to meet the man, see the man, hear the man talk to realise he was special. This man is the most famous South African alive today, a man whom Nelson Mandela calls "My Hero".
It could have been so different for Lucas, he was brought up in Soweto, South Africas poorest ghetto in the days of apartheid, a area rife with crime. This man was shot and feared he would not walk never mind become a world class footballer.
Today he returns to his roots on a regular basis to help the young people of Soweto follow his route to succes and away from all the problems of poverty bring. He is mobbed anywhere he goes in South Africa, everyone loves Lucas.
Before coming to Leeds Lucas signed for his local soccer club as a goalkeeper but soon changed his position to central defender because the club had two goalkeepers. That club was called "The Kaiser Chiefs", sounds familiar, well yes it is the famous Leeds Rock Group are named in honour of Lucas, that is how much he is thought of in Leeds.
As a footballer Lucas was always used as a role model for young players, always giving 100%, never cheating, never feigning injury. This is a example that some of the overpaid superstars should follow today.
Lucas career eventually ended when his injuries caught up with him after numerous major operations on his knees. During the last few years of his playing days Lucas would be on crutches all week but would never let his teamates down when saturday came around despite putting himself through agony.
Lucas was loyal when so called bigger clubs tried to sign him offering more money he told them Leeds gave him the chance and he was happy with what they paid.
At his best Lucas was a world class performer that went on to captain his country.
When Leeds gave Lucas a testimal match all the worlds top players wanted to play thats how much they repected Lucas. The match although a friendly saw Leeds biggest crowd of the season.
When two of our supporters were murdered in Istanbul by Turkish thugs prior to UEFA cup semi-final in 2000, Lucas was the first to visit the families.
Lucas was always a family man but always had time to talk to the Leeds fans who adored him. At christmas he was always the first to visit local hospitals taking sick children presents. He was always the one who went straight over to disabled supporters.
Lucas spoke out against racism and people listened, I think even the right wing extremists listened to Lucas.
Lucas never looked at people in terms of Black or White he just looked at a person.
He is a great man.
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1 comment:
This is a great tribute Mick, I am really touched. I am a "Lucas" fan from Mzantsi. I adore the guy, I admire his integrity and sense of responsibility, not to mention his humility. He is a good role model and I must say, he has made a difference in my life "BIG TIME". It's been tough, but reading about him, I am encouraged and I believe in myself more now!!! I would love to meet him one day, he is a great man! Ciao
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