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When Lucas Radebe arrived at Leeds United in 1994 alongside striker Phil Masinga in a double signing, the club’s primary reason for signing him was to keep his South African compatriot happy.
But while Masinga would spend just two seasons in West Yorkshire, when Radebe hung up his boots more than a decade later, he had become a Leeds United legend, captaining the side through one of their most successful periods in recent history.
For Radebe, the chance to join Leeds was significant not just for himself, but South African football as a whole.
Radebe on his Leeds United transfer
“It was absolutely brilliant when I got to that stage in my professional career,” Radebe tells FourFourTwo .
“Before then, South Africans never knew if we would get the opportunity to play international football due to Apartheid and the country’s sporting isolation.
“When Leeds came in for me, I was still playing at Kaizer Chiefs . Joining Leeds was a once-in-a-lifetime chance that originally came with me babysitting the late Phil Masinga.
“I was included in the deal to keep him happy. But for me it was a calling, as I stayed there for more than a decade.”
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Radebe would go on to captain the South Africa national team at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups , with his desire to embrace his background always shining through during his time at Leeds, where he would play for the club more than 250 times.
“I’m incredibly proud of my Zulu roots,” he continues. “I remember the nickname ‘Chief’ was given to me by my ex-Leeds manager David O’Leary .
“That was in reference to being the chief of the Zulu tribe. I was very proud he and others understood my deep roots and accepted my culture.
“It meant a lot to both Phil and I that we were recognised as Africans and for what we achieved as a Zulu nation.”
Radebe is now an ambassador for the club and it is clear this mutual respect between him and Leeds has led to an enduring bond.
“As an individual, when people honour you as one of the greats, it speaks to the respect they have for the contributions I made to the club.”
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