Posted in News on Sep 07, 2011.
Kaizerchiefs.com is proud to introduce a new feature, ‘Chiefs Memories’ that replaces ‘Memoirs’ and legendary, Dr. Lucas “Rhoo” Radebe took time to reflect on his career with the Glamour Boys. Radebe is arguably one of the best defenders of South African football. He was one of the key players at Chiefs that won the double in 1992. His transfer to Leeds United where he achieved legendary status did not come as a surprise. He is now back in South Africa involved in community work.
My transfer…
In fact I nearly joined Orlando Pirates first but Chiefs was too fast! (Laughing) It was in the early 90s when the Chiefs great, Sylvester Kole spotted me while playing in the Bopsol League in Bophuthatswana. They sent the late Ace Ntsoelengoe and he is the one who found me. I came over for trials. They were impressed and I signed a three year contract with the Glamour Boys.
I must admit I didn’t care less about the contract. I was just excited to join the likes of Doctor (Khumalo), Ace Khuse, and some of the great players during that era. I could not wait to don the gold and black and I will always remember the years I spent with the Club.
My debut…
It was against Pretoria City. I played in the midfield with Mark Tovey and Howard Freeze playing in the heart of defence.
My favourite game…
There is lot of great games where I featured in during my time with Amakhosi. If pressed to single one game it has to be the seven goal thriller against Jomo Cosmos in the BP Top 8 final in 1991. We won the game 4-3 with Chippa Masinga scoring a hat-trick.
Cosmos made us work on that afternoon. Fani Madida scored a brace with Shane (McGregor) and Doctor (Khumalo) scoring the other two goals. It was a great game with great players in both sides in front of a vociferous crowd at FNB Stadium.
My favourite derby…
I was blessed to play in so many great derbies with great players. I do think though the derby where Orlando Pirates fans set fire to the seats forcing it to be called off was the best. On that day I was at my best.
My favourite goal…
I scored a couple of goals especially from the penalty spot. I do recall the goal I scored against Moroka Swallows at Ellis Park. It was from an open play. Ellis Park was our happy hunting ground so even on that afternoon we won the game.
Toughest opponent…
Simon Magagula from AmaZulu, I hated playing against him. He was quick on his feet and deadly as a striker. I remember him leaving me on the ground when they beat us 3-1 in the Coca Cola Cup final at FNB Stadium.
I also enjoyed battles with Chippa Masinga when he was at Jomo Cosmos and later at Mamelodi Sundowns. Chippa was a great striker, always dangerous in the box.
The team I wanted to beat most…
Orlando Pirates without a doubt! I always wanted to win against Pirates and I am sure it is an ambition I shared with my teammates.
Then it was Mamelodi Sundowns which also had good players the likes of Sam Khambule, Ernest Chirwali (Mtawali), Zane Moosa, Jazzy Queen Legodi and many others.
Then follows Swallows which had the likes of Les Grobler, Calvin Petersen, Eric Ramasike…great players!
Dr. Lucas Radebe made 113 appearances for the Glamour Boys winning 2 league titles, Bob Save Super Bowl, 2 Castle Challenge and 3 BP Top 8. He represented Bafana Bafana 70 times – he captained the team in two World Cups, 1998 & 2002. The Club’s Executive Chairman, Kaizer Motaung wrote a Foreword on his book launched in 2010, ‘From Soweto to soccer SuperStar’.
