The story of Lucas Radebe reads much like a Hollywood rags to riches fairytale; a young man, struggling with the pain and violence of his home South Africa, torn by apartheid, gets a chance to shine on the highest level, takes that chance, succeeds and becomes a national hero.
The central defender spent 11 years at Leeds United (1994 to 2005) and captained South Africa to their 1996 Africa Cup of Nations victory and at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Lucas retired from football in 2005, but as roving Ambassador for the South African World Cup 2010 and South African Tourism, he brings that mentality of opportunity and hope to his new role.
"I've always said I want to give back to my country, and this is one way I can say I can make an impression, and give back," said the former Leeds captain. "The World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in the world. An ex footballer getting the opportunity to play in two world cups, and watching South Africa progress, and improve in football, as a country and as a whole … To be able to be in this position where I can sell South Africa to the world and welcome the world to South Africa is an honor. It touches every person in the world."
His Ambassador role brought him to New York this week, on yet another whirlwind media tour, promoting not only the World Cup, but the Confederations Cup as well. "There is a lot of interest in the United States," said Lucas. "One of the stats they have is that America is #2 in the World for ticket interest, before England, which is phenomenal, absolutely fantastic. I think it says a lot about what is coming in the States and South Africa 2010."
South Africa represents the very first time a World Cup will be hosted on the African continent and that fact has not been lost with Lucas. "It is not easy. I mean, for the first time in Africa, it is the dreams and hopes of people, of many, many people. Its not just about football, its about the culture, its about the tradition, and South Africa and the continent as a whole."
But the great honor comes with the responsibility of securing the stadiums, updating and improving infrastructure, as well as establishing practical and effective security operations. Since the announcement of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the host countries readiness has been questioned. Doubt shrouded the countries hopes at hosting a successful tournament. But as the Cup has gotten closer, South Africa has been able to prepare its venues, and fund security.
"Obviously there is a financial injection in terms of policing and security so people can feel free to move around and enjoy the country," explained Radebe. "I think we can put aside the politics a little bit, because already, sports has unified Africa, and now it is a time to unify our continent, and the world as a whole, to come and celebrate with us this spectacular, fantastic event that will surely make an impact in the lives of individuals and everybody around the world."
The coming Confederations Cup is less than six weeks away and will be South Africa's first major test of these investments. "For us, it is a great dress rehearsal for the World Cup. And the teams that are involved are number one in their own right. Confederations Cup is an opportunity for these teams to acclimatize themselves, to familiarize themselves with their surroundings and the stadiums as well. And it's going to play into the atmosphere of the World Cup, which will be a fantastic."
And the opportunity for success is far reaching. South Africa’s economy is desperately looking forward to this event for an economic boost. "This is a great opportunity for small businesses, and especially the people in the townships, which want to welcome all the forgeign influx. I think it is exciting. It shows the readiness before 2010. It is going to leave a long legacy after." He continued on, speaking about the ripple effect this event will cause moving forward for his country. "The infrastructure, stadium, building roads, they are creating jobs for ordinary people, which is exactly what we want." And hopefully, a mix of economic and sporting success will be exactly what South Africa needs to move positively into the future. “For football, it gives youngsters an opportunity. It is possible for them to make it. As idols, as role models to those young kids that want to reach that level, it shows them we are all human, and all capable of success.”
With his current role as ambassador, he has had little time to think of anything other than promoting the 2010 games. But what lies in the future for Lucas Radebe and the Bafana Bafana past the 2010 Cup? “Coaching is something that would interest me Not on a club level, but on an international level. To be honest, for me, I don't think club would be significant because I want to make an impact. I want to change things. I want people to get involved. I want to have an effect. Give back to my country. I mean, I’ve played at the club level and I know what coaching is all about. I don't want gray hairs!”
In the end, Radebe the Ambassador does what he sets out to do; personalize the game and emphasizes South Africas strengths as a host. And South Africa couldn’t have picked a more endearing figure to send the message out. When asked about his own personal life, Lucas was quick to respond, “You never forget where you come from. You can’t forget where you came from.” It is this type of identification with his roots and a love for his nation that will give these games a flavor and style it has never seen before. In the end, the message from Lucas is clear; South Africa is ready to welcome the world to the greatest sporting event there is.
Dave Martinez also writes for Red Bulls Offside.
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