The former Kaizer Chiefs defender was surprised to learn of the supporter’s great gesture
Bafana Bafana legend Lucas Radebe’s popularity at Leeds United is still at an all-time high despite his final match for the English side coming 19 years ago.
This is after a Leeds fan named his newborn son Lucas, in honour of Radebe, who enjoyed and still has a cult status at the Championship club.
“@LucasRadebe named my first baby boy Lucas, born 10th August 2024. He’s a big Leeds fan already. What’s the chances of a retweet for the little man? Cheers Chief,” a Leeds fan, going by the name Gary Donaldson posted on X.
He got more than he asked for from the South African legend who replied to his request.
“Wow congratulations Gary, welcome Lucas to the land of plenty. May God bless him to realise his talent,” Radebe posted in reply.
Lucas Radebe had a successful decade at Elland Road
Radebe, one of Africa’s most revered defenders, played for Leeds for 10 seasons between 1994 and 2005, and would later captain the side to great success.
He was part of the Leeds team that finished fourth in the Premier League in the 1998-99 season before improving to third the following campaign, to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Radebe was captain when the club had an impressive campaign in Europe, reaching the semi-final of the Champions League, and was awarded the FIFA Fair Play Award at the end of the 1999-2000 season.
By this time, his stock had risen greatly and he had attracted interest from Leeds’ bitter rivals Manchester United, Italian giants AC Milan and AS Roma.
From ‘Radebeer’ to little Lucas, what’s next from Leeds fans?
He, however, shocked fans when he turned down an opportunity to move to United, choosing to stay at Leeds, which endeared him further to the club’s supporters.
The former Kaizer Chiefs defender was known for his great ability on the ball, added to his impressive tackles and was never afraid to put his body on the line to snuff out danger.
In 2008, Radebe’s popularity was put on display when a local brewery in Yorkshire named their beer after him, following an overwhelming vote from Leeds fans.
A vote conducted at Elland Road on what they should name their next beer ended with the majority choosing the Bafana Bafana legend and that is how ‘Radebeer’ was born.
