Excitement is building as former Bafana Bafana defender Lucas Radebe emerges as a strong contender for the South African Football Association (SAFA) presidency.
The SAFA elections will be held in just two months, with current president Danny Jordaan anticipated to seek re-election. However, Lucas Radebe, known for his distinguished career at Kaizer Chiefs and Leeds United and currently a valued member of the SAFA Technical Committee, has publicly shown interest in the role, making him a popular candidate among football fans and insiders alike.
Roger De Sa, Platinum Stars coach and fellow 1996 AFCON champion with Bafana Bafana, is a staunch supporter of Radebe’s candidacy.
“It’s about time. Look at football legends around the world like Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer.”
“Lucas commands respect in football circles. Having someone who has played the game at the highest level running the show means the needs of players are truly understood. While we debate the decline of Bafana and the cycle of hiring and firing coaches, the administration hasn’t changed much,” De Sa told the Sowetan.
Echoing these views, former national defender Edward Motale shared:
“It’s fantastic to see a former footballer stand up for the role. Football should be managed by those who know the game inside out.”
“We should take a leaf out of countries like Zambia, who elected Kalusha Bwalya, a former star, to lead their football. I’d love to see ‘Rhoo’ [Radebe] take up this mantle,” Motale added.
Adding to the chorus of support, legendary strikers Jerry Sikhosana and Phil Masinga have both publicly backed the 48-year-old Radebe’s ambitions to lead SAFA.
© TEAMtalk Media
