Lucas Radebe. Sunday Times
Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe is serving as a football ambassador as South Africa prepares to host the FIFA Confederations Cup this summer and the FIFA World Cup next summer.
Radebe is visiting the U.S. this week to promote the upcoming international tournaments:
“Fantastic people here, and when you hear that Americans don’t care about football, then you hear that ticket sales for the World Cup so far are No. 1 from people in the States, it shows how much the game is kicking here,” he said. “For South Africa, it is a great relationship between the two countries. We have formed a tight bond. I know your country is trying to take the game to the highest level and slowly but surely is making progress. For me, the U.S.A. is one of the teams that could cause an upset in the World Cup.”
Radebe recalls meeting former South Africa president Nelson Mandela back when he was a star center back with Leeds United:
“He just stopped and looked at me and he told everyone that I’m his hero. I had a big lump in my throat. I didn’t know what to say. He is such a great statesman and president. I’ve always looked up to him for inspiration. He made me feel so great, so honored, but very humbled and really inspired.”
