Children playing soccer in the streets with balls made of plastic bags and being with friends and family, eating pap and vleis.  These are some of the things soccer hero Lucas Radebe misses when he is in England where he has been living and playing soccer for Leeds United FC for the past 11 years. 
In 1989 at the age of 20 he joined one of the biggest teams in the country — Kaizer Chiefs. It was his dedication — both at team level and as captain of Bafana Bafana — that attracted Leeds United, which signed him in 1994 and eventually made him its captain.
Radebe (36), plans to coach with Leeds United until next year. He has retired as a football player.  He visited South Africa earlier this year. “Here at home I was involved with fund raising for the SOS Children’s Villages, Starfish and The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation,” said Radebe.  Radebe has a wife, Feziwe, and two children, Lucas Junior and Owami. He has two other children, Jessica and Ofentse, who live with their mothers. 
“I am one of 11 children and my other brothers and sisters are from Soweto.
My mother and father live south of Johannesburg.”  Radebe says sport is a powerful tool that brings people together.  “Government should spend more money on sport. If you can dream it, you can do it, as I have shown in my career.”  Radebe’s wife was recently diagnosed with cancer and will undergo treatment in England. “We are confident that she will be alright,” Radebe says.

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