21ICONS - Lucas Radebe

Lucas Radebe: “During the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 I was honoured to wear the green and gold jersey of our country and to see the national team and to represent our country as Captain, it was an unbelievable experience and a great achievement. I think for any soccer player you want to represent your country, you want to play against the best in the world and I was fortunate that I did.”

21 ICONS is a showcase for the South African spirit; a tribute to the men and women who have helped to shape our country and, indeed, our world. 21ICONS featured the thirteenth icon of its second season: Lucas Radebe, a South African soccer legend who is hailed as one of the greatest international soccer players of our nation. Playing on the streets of Soweto as a youngster inspired his passion for the game and spurred his devotion to the skill of ball playing.

In an intimate conversation with Steirn, Radebe talks about his life as one of South Africa’s most successful soccer exports. A former Bafana Bafana captain and dubbed ‘the Chief’ of English Premier League side, Leeds United, he has achieved great acclaim on many international soccer pitches as well as here at home. The iconic Madiba once referred to Radebe as 'my hero' while visiting Leeds United on an overseas trip to England.