WATCH: Lucas Radebe still ‘The Chief’ at Leeds United after rousing Elland Road reception

FILE - Lucas Radebe pictured during the AFCON 2023 qualifies group stage draw. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

FILE - Lucas Radebe pictured during the AFCON 2023 qualifies group stage draw. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Published Mar 12, 2023

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Johannesburg - Leeds United legend Lucas Radede received a warm reception during his visit at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon as the Whites beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0.

Radebe made 197 appearances for Leeds in the English Premier League (EPL) during his stint at the club, earning legendary status as a hard nose defender.

And since that spell, Radebe has been valued by the club that he’s got a suite at Elland Road - The Radebe Suite - named after him which can host seminars and training events for up to 60 people.

Before his match-day appearance at Elland Road on Saturday, Radebe was also an analyst on the Premier League during Leeds 1-0 loss to Chelsea a week ago.

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The Whites are enduring tough times in the Premier League as they are in the hazardous 19th spot on the log with just 23 points after 26 games, leading basement dwellers Southampton by just two points.

So needing all the motivation they can get to save their elite status, the visit of legends such as Radebe will go a long way in keeping their hopes alive.

For some time, Radebe has been widely celebrated for his contribution at Leeds while a lot of people have been bemused by the little recognition he’s been getting on home soil.

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A while back, Radebe was keen on running for the Safa presidency role but his campaign didn’t come into fruition as he didn’t meet all the requirements, including not serving in any previous leadership role in the footballing circles before.

Nonetheless, Radebe said he remains hopeful that one day he’ll become the head honcho of the association, taking over the seat that’s been occupied by Danny Jordaan who was re-elected for a third term last year.

@MihlaliBaleka