DURBAN – Ex-Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe is interested in becoming the next president of the South African Football Association.
Danny Jordaan’s term is coming to an end next year, and then the regions of Safa will have to vote on who the right man is to take charge.
Radebe, who led Bafana with distinction, believes that it is time for a former player to take over South African football.
“You know, it has been on my thoughts actually,” Radebe responded when he was questioned about his desire to run for the Safa presidency.
“Yes, I’m interested. They say you want to be affiliated somewhere in order to stand for elections. I’m currently affiliated to Safa, since I’m serving on the technical committee.
“I believe that in order for us to see improvement and progress, you need new ideas. The football is getting younger and younger. There’s more money in it. We need to evolve. There must be a shift for improvement.
“We need more people with new ideas to come in and take our football to another level.”
There have been a lot of calls over the years for Radebe to become the president of Safa. His leadership skills were second to none during his playing career as he went on to be the captain of Leeds United.
Danny Jordaan is the current Safa president. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Radebe, who led Bafana at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, is well respected globally. He played in England for 11 years, and in Elland Road – the home ground of Leeds United – there’s a beer that was named after him, which is called “Radebeer”.
He was also honoured with one of the entrances at Elland Road being named after him.
“Yes, I’m still in the technical committee and it also helps to see what is going on in the association. It also creates more interest in wanting to see our football progress.
“I’m interested in making sure that our country becomes one of the powerful nations in Africa. Let us get involved.
“Let us come together and make sure that at least we try and work together. All the professional minds. Surely there’s a lot of talent out there of ex-players. There must be a shift,” Radebe concluded.
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