The Award, which is part of the Premier League's 10 seasons celebrations which look back on the past decade of top-flight English football, recognises the player who has done most to use his position as a professional footballer to make a difference to people's lives.

A specially commissioned panel, which reviewed a shortlist of ten players before making their decision, selected Lucas as the winner in recognition of his achievement of making a real difference to people's lives in communities on two different continents.

Other players who were nominated for the award included Warren Barton, John Barnes, Dion Dublin, Bryan Gunn, Gary Mabbutt, Chris Powell, Niall Quinn, David Unsworth and Tommy Wright.

Since joining Leeds from Chiefs in September 1994, Radebe has been the focal point of award winning educational schemes and anti-racism schemes that have tackled social inclusion problems in inner city Leeds.

Radebe has been heavily involved in the Leeds United Book Challenge, launched two years ago, that aimed to use the power of football to encourage children and adults who may not normally be interested in reading to become members of their local library.

The campaign was a massive success, winning the Big Issue Difference Award for a medium sized business, and inspired 12,500 people of all ages to read an extra 500,000 books during the project.

Radebe has also played a major role in the Leeds United Against Racism Schools Project that has encouraged children to develop strategies to tackle racism within the classroom, the school and the local community.

Radebe has also done a tremendous amount of work in the community in South Africa, for which he received the 2000 Fifa Fair Play Footballer of the Year Award.

Working as part of the Fifa's SOS Children's Villages Campaign, Radede has dedicated much of his time to hosting coaching clinics in deprived villages. Amongst his numerous appearances for charity, he also has been involved in Starfish, a charity that attempts to tackle the problems of Aids in Southern Africa.

Dave Richards, the Chairman of the Premier League, who sat on the panel to decide the winner of the award said: "There are many people involved in football who do a tremendous amount for their local community who don't get the credit they deserve, all those short listed for the award are worthy of praise.

"Lucas Radebe has done ample to deserve this accolade and is an example for us all to follow as someone who has not just worked hard for the people of Leeds, but has also found the time and energy to help the communities of his homeland.

Radebe said: "I am delighted to be the recipient of this award. It is a great honour for me and my family. I could never have guessed when I arrived in England from South Africa to play for Leeds United back in August 1994 that I would enjoy such a wonderful career at such a great football club. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside the Leeds United community department.

"Professional football is under the microscope for many reasons but few people notice the good work that is being done in education and grass roots football by the kind of community-related activities we have at Leeds United and other clubs. I have been fortunate to be involved with our anti-racism, educational, social and charitable initiatives and this award not only reflects my efforts but those of the many people connected with Leeds United.

"For me Football equals Community. I have seen the way our sport has acted as a vehicle for change. Having achieved a level and status as a professional player in the Premier League and in South Africa, means I have been lucky enough to have been in a position to make a difference."