Throwback Thursday: A look at the glory days of legendary Lucas Radebe

Throwback Thursday: A look at the glory days of legendary Lucas Radebe

In the spirit of Throwback Thursday, Briefly.co.za honours a memorable football player and this time, it's none other than the legendary Lucas Radebe.

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Lucas Radebe is arguably one of the greatest footballers Mzansi has ever produced.

The Bafana Bafana legend first rose to prominence in the Bophuthatswana Soccer League while playing for ICL Birds.

While there, Patrick "Ace" Ntsoelengoe noticed his talent and lured the player to Kaizer Chiefs.

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Ironically, Radebe started his career at the Amakhosi as a goalkeeper.

He was then given a chance in the midfield, but then made his mark in the defence.

In 1994, something happened that would define Radebe's career.

English football club Leeds United were very keen to sign former Bafana Bafana striker Philemon Masinga.

When he met with the club, Masinga highlighted the qualities of Radebe and urged Leeds to sign him.

The club gave in to Masinga's wishes and Radebe was signed as well. The rest is history.

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While Masinga struggled to make an impact, Radebe enjoyed a phenomenal career at Leeds and became a legend.

Many fans may not be aware, but it was reported that Radebe rejected the advances of super clubs, such as Manchester United and AC Milan.

Although Radebe's value was unknown to Leeds in 1994, he was already a fully-fledged international after making his Bafana debut in 1992.

Radebe's standout international highlights were the African Nations Cup triumph in 1996 and when he captained the team at two Fifa World Cups.

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Source: Briefly News

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