The legacy of Lucas Radebe
Image: Obakeng Molepe
Few Figures in south African soccer history carry the universal admiration and respect that Lucas Radebe commands. Known fondly as ‘The chief’, from the local pitches of Soweto to the global stage, his name has become synonymous with excellence, perseverance and unshakable integrity. An icon not just of the beautiful game but also of South African culture, Radebe has continuously embodied what it means to be a leader both on and off the field. his enduring influence stretches beyond the confines of soccer, touching countless lives through his philanthropy, mentorship and ability to unite fans across generations.
What makes Lucas’s story truly remarkable is not just his list of accolades, but the longevity of his appeal as a beloved national figure. Even years after his retirement, he remains a symbol of pride and possibility for millions of South Africans.
The sporting icon, and recipient of the 2024 GQ’s Men of the Year Life Achievement Award, appears on the cover of our Sport and Tech issue, in collaboration with the Lay’s, the world’s number one snack brand — a partnership that feels like a natural extension of his journey in soccer.
For Lucas, working with Lay’s is more than just a commercial partnership — it’s about aligning with a brand that shares his values of creating joy. “To partner with a brand that creates moments of joy for the fans feels like a perfect match. We’re both about making those experiences memorable, creating connections, and celebrating what unites us all.”
The partnership has now taken an exciting turn with Lay’s planning to feature Lucas on a pack of the Ultimate Soccer Snack. While the flavour remains under wraps, Lucas is hopeful it will strike a chord with fans. “I’m not allowed to say as yet, but I really hope it’s a flavour that resonates with everyone — from the big fans to the little ones. It’s all about connecting with people, you know? I’ve been featured on a pack before, but this time, with all the big games, it’s got to be something truly loved by most people. Let’s see what happens!”
Born in 1969, in Diepkloof, Soweto, Lucas’s early years were shaped by the turbulent landscape of apartheid South Africa. Soccer became both an escape and a passion for the young Lucas, who began his journey with Kaizer Chiefs, one of the country’s most iconic clubs. It was here that his natural talent as a defender began to shine, capturing the attention of scouts from across the globe. In 1994, he made the life-changing move to Leeds United, a club steeped in English soccer history. Initially signed as a relatively unknown player, it wasn’t long before Lucas earned his place as a cornerstone of the team. His commanding presence in defense and calm leadership saw him captaining Leeds during some of their most memorable seasons, including their deep runs in the UEFA Champions League and domestic competitions. Under his guidance, Leeds became a force to be reckoned with in the late 90s and early 2000s.
As one of the few African players to captain a major European club at the time, Lucas became a symbol of pride not just for South Africa, but for the entire continent. His leadership style, characterised by humility and an unyielding work ethic, earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. Off the pitch, Lucas’s charisma and dedication to social causes cemented his reputation as a role model. He was instrumental in using his platform to support charitable initiatives both in South Africa and abroad, focusing on youth development, health and education. His work with organisations like UNICEF demonstrates his commitment to giving back to the communities that had shaped him.
For South African fans, Lucas’s contributions to Bafana Bafana are legendary. As captain of the national team, he led South Africa to its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1998, a historic moment for a nation still finding its feet post-apartheid. His leadership during the 2002 World Cup further solidified his place as a national icon, with his name becoming synonymous with the golden era of South African soccer. In 2010, when South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup, while Lucas was no longer on the pitch, his fingerprints were all over the tournament, from his role as an ambassador to his presence in the stands, cheering on the next generation of players.
More than two decades after hanging up his boots, Lucas’s influence continues to permeate South African soccer. Whether through his ongoing mentorship of young players or his efforts to promote the sport at a grassroots level, his commitment to nurturing future generations of talent remains unwavering.
When he was told that someone was overheard calling him the ‘Godfather’ of SA soccer, he laughs and shakes his head. When asked to share his thoughts on his career he replies, “To be honest, we never really rated soccer as a career, it was just hope and the actual ability to play was always a God-given talent. But to reach the stadiums, win titles and earn accolades, you have to work hard to perfect that talent. I believe the most important thing I’ve done isn’t what I achieved on the field, but the impact I’ve made off it. That gives you the, not ‘godfather’, but perhaps the ‘legend’ status — the contributions and inspiration you bring to the game and its community.”
However, Lucas’s attentions are as fixed on bettering surrounding groups as he was on scoring goals. “Off the field is where I’ve focused on doing more...
Click here to get your digital copy now and read the full cover story. The issue is also available on shelves nationwide.
Related Topics: