Hope is not yet lost for former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe, who has made his ambitions clear to lead the South African Football Association (Safa), and even possibly succeed embattled president, Danny Jordaan.
Two years ago, in an interview with Sunday World, Radebe said that he was working tirelessly behind the scenes to fulfil his long-time dream of serving as Safa president, and that dream is still very much alive.
Last week, on the day a boardroom brawl broke out between the Jordaan and anti-Jordaan cabals at Safa House in Nasrec, during their NEC congress, Rhoo spoke to this publication once again in Tembisa to reiterate his interest in taking over the hot seat.
“I must have done something right in my career [to be mentioned as the next man in line to lead Safa], and it is flattering,” Radebe said with a smirk.
“I think as a footballer, you do your best when you get an opportunity to play the game, but you never know what the future holds because for us it’s about football. But again, you don’t forget where you come from and who put you on this platform to showcase your talent. In my case, it was the South African Football Association. So, credit must go to them.
“And I think for me to be mentioned in the midst of all those great presidents … it would be an honour and a pleasure to serve football in a different way, where it possibly could have an impact.
“But it’s not child’s play [to be Safa president]. It is all about taking football to the next level, an opportunity as an ex-player to raise a hand and take on that responsibility,” Radebe said.
Being the people’s favourite, especially with his ability to attract multimillion-rand brands, Radebe has been encouraged to show his interest by publicly declaring his interest and throwing his name in the hat.
Sports minister Gayton McKenzie recently said, “I work with the incumbent, and the incumbent is Danny Jordaan, but if you don’t like Danny, elections are around the corner; put your name in the hat.”
