Biography
Who is Lucas Radebe?
Early life and background
Lucas Valeriu Radebe was born in the Diepkloof section of Soweto, near Johannesburg. He was one of eleven children born to parents Emily and Johannes Radebe. During his youth, he attended Bopasenatla Secondary School. When he reached Grade 10, his parents moved him to Bophuthatswana to keep him safe from violence in his home neighborhood. He subsequently attended Ngotwane High School near Zeerust.
In 1991, Lucas was shot while driving with his brother to purchase drinks for his mother. The bullet entered his back and exited through his thigh, though he was not critically wounded. He was later rushed to the hospital for treatment. The identity of the shooter remained unknown, though it was suspected that the incident was related to his potential transfer between football clubs.
Professional football career
Lucas began his professional path playing for the amateur side ICL Birds in the Bophuthatswana Soccer League. In 1989, Patrick Ntsoelengoe scouted him for the Kaizer Chiefs. He initially played as a goalkeeper for the Kaizer Chiefs before shifting to central midfield and eventually central defense. He played 155 matches for the club between 1989 and 1994.
In 1994, he transferred to the English club Leeds United alongside Philemon Masinga. His time at Leeds United saw him become a team captain during the 1998-1999 season. He played 262 matches for the Yorkshire side. During this period, Leeds finished fourth in the FA Premier League and reached the UEFA Cup. He also helped the team qualify for the Champions League, where they eventually reached the semi-finals.
International play and awards
Lucas made his debut for the South African national team on July 7, 1992, in their first international match against Cameroon. He was a member of the squad that won the 1996 African Cup of Nations. He served as the captain of the South African team during the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Throughout his international career, he earned 70 caps and scored two goals for South Africa. His final match for the national team occurred on May 22, 2003, against England. In recognition of his sporting achievements, he received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. Also, he was awarded the FIFA Fair Play Award in 2000 for his work in addressing racism and supporting children in South Africa.
Retirement and post-playing work
Lucas Radebe retired from professional football at the end of the 2005 season. Leeds United held a testimonial match for him at Elland Road on May 2, 2005, which drew a crowd of over 37,886 people. He also organized a retirement match in Durban, South Africa, featuring a South African Invitation XI against the Lucas Radebe All Stars. Proceeds from these events were donated to charity.
Following his retirement, he remained involved in football. He served as a pundit for South African television and ITV during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He also worked as a columnist for The Daily Telegraph. In 2012, he accepted a position as a team manager with the South African national side. He has also been recognized as an ambassador for FIFA for SOS Children's Villages.
Birthday and age
Lucas Radebe was born on April 12, 1969, which makes Lucas 57 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Lucas shares the date with 39 other famous people.
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