#IAmLegend: Why dozens of kids are named after Lucas Radebe every year
The former Bafana Bafana captain joined Vic Naidoo for a frank chat
reflecting on the highs and lows of his career as a footballer.
South African football legend Lucas Radebe is a household name.
But what you might not know about the defender is that not only is his name famous here at home, but abroad, too.
During his tenure at Leeds United, Radebe was known for his no-nonsense tackling and organisation on the pitch.
So much so that he became captain of Leeds, a club he played for between 1994 and 2005.
This is Lucas, born yesterday. Named after @LucasRadebe pic.twitter.com/CZvGWYo6c8
— George Bull (@LUFCbully) August 4, 2019
This is Lucas names after the chief @LucasRadebe born the same year Lucas retired #MOT#LUFC💙💛💙💛 pic.twitter.com/AMP6VfShDs
— Liam Anderson💙💛 (@Liam_Anders21) August 4, 2019
Its defo a leeds fan thing my lad lucas! Again named after @LucasRadebe! Middle names are james and allan, wonder where them names come from @JamesMilner and allan clarke pic.twitter.com/BPx3goxOqp
— liam quantock (@quannyGK1) August 4, 2019
This has meant that enthusiastic football fans and supporters of the British club have even named some of their kids after him, an honour which in a candid interview with Vic Naidoo he says, he does not take lightly.
Radebe has also reflected on the current crop of South African footballers, saying that they need to learn to have more commitment to the jersey. “Its not about the money. Money will come,” he says. “There will be ups and downs but if you know yourself and you know you have a good work ethic you won’t doubt yourself when you go play at the highest level.”
Listen to the full podcast of Lucas Radebe reflecting on his time as Bafana Bafana captain, some of the things he wishes he could change about his career, and what he thinks of the current crop of South African players.