Lucas Radebe: Celebrating the Leeds United Chief
- thomasbradley2311
- Nov 16, 2024
- 3 min read
When Lucas Radebe signed alongside the late Phil Masinga in 1994, very few people could have predicted the the career he would have at Elland Road.
But 30 years on, his legacy continues to be talked about - having made over 200 appearances and wearing the captain's armband for many of them.
This blog looks back at his time at Leeds United, with a celebratory view of his fantastic career.
1994 - coming from the Kaizer Chiefs
The year was 1994, and Leeds United were in talks to sign Phil Masinga (rest in peace) from South African side Kaizer Chiefs. But the striker would only move to West Yorkshire if fellow teammate Radebe was part of the deal.
And so, on 5 September 1994, Howard Wilkinson signed both players for a total fee of £250,000.
But it wasn't all roses to begin with, as Radebe did not feature much, and was more known for cameos in goal - a position he'd originally played in South Africa.
It wasn't until George Graham joined the club as Manager, that Lucas was able to flourish. And good performance after good performance led to him being named club captain for the 1998-1999 season.
Celebrate the Chief with a 'throwback' t-shirt that pays homage to his roots
Introducing the NEW I'd Radebe Leeds t-shirt - a garment that pays tribute to 1994 with a blue and yellow horiztonal stripe, and African typefont that pays respect to the Chief's South African roots.
SHOP NOW for £18.99 - get 10% off your first order with code LUFC10
Guiding Leeds through European Cups
As Radebe's popularity grew, so did the club's stature in terms of league position, and qualifying for European cups.
Having finished fourth in 1998-1999, Leeds qualied for the UEFA Cup, and it would lead to the defender famously scoring whilst sat on his backside!
It was one a handful of goals that Lucas scored in his career, but it was one that symbolised how far he'd come in a five year period at Leeds United.
Leeds went on to lose in the Second Round against Roma but it began an incredible journey that saw the club reach the Semi-Final of the Champions League in the 2000-2001 season.
Purchase the NEW I'd Radebe Leeds cup - just £9.99 - use code LUFC10 for 10% off your first order with Leeds Merch
Staying true to the cause when he could have travelled
Beyond outstanding performances for the club, Lucas is so well liked by fans because he showed an incredible amount of commitment and loyalty to Leeds.
During his peak he was courted by several teams, one being fierce rivals Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in signing the defender, but Lucas had other ideas.
Speaking on the Big Interview, Lucas said:
“I thought I would stay at Leeds United. The offer came to the club, I was called in and the manager said to me there’s an offer that they want to accept from the club. And I told them, ‘no thank you.’ I’m happy where I was at Leeds.
“This was the club that introduced me to the Premier League and people looked after me. And that’s me done. And that was not the only club that offered for me. Roma, which I declined, because I knew I wanted to grow with Leeds United and I wanted to achieve with the club.”
Staying committed to the cause, Lucas went on to make over 200 appearances for Leeds United, and even stayed with the club following relegation from the Premier League in 2004.
Long live the Chief!
Comentários