It is no secret that South Africa is home to some of the world’s most talented athletes, and we have several successful stories to prove it.
From the 2016 Olympics where Wayde van Niekerk broke the 400m world record, to Dricus du Plessis who made his mark in the UFC – not to forget Bafana legend Benni McCarthy who received praises for joining the Manchester United coaching staff, and the mighty Springboks who won the William Web Ellis Cup for a record-breaking fourth time.
With so much talent in our country, the chances of our athletes becoming role models to others around the world are extremely high.
So much so, that some athletes find themselves still being honoured for their contributions in sport, decades after retirement.
One person who would know all about this is former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe.
In a recent tweet, an Irish football fan revealed just how far he would go to honour his sporting legend by naming his new-born son after the veteran footballer who had a brief stint at Leeds United.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the proud father, Gary Donaldson, shared the news with his football idol, writing: “@LucasRadebe named my first baby boy Lucas, born 10th August 2024. He’s a Big Leeds fan already. What are the chances of a retweet for the little man? Cheers Chief!”
@LucasRadebe named my first baby boy Lucas, born 10th August 2024. He’s a Big Leeds fan already. What’s the chances of a retweet for the little man?
Cheers Chief! pic.twitter.com/CWNLj8bnet— Gary Donaldson (@garylufc) August 21, 2024
Touched by the honour, the retired footballer responded: “Wow Congratulations Gary welcome Lucas to the land of plenty. May God bless him to realise his talent.”
Those in the comment section later praised Lucas Radebe for his contributions to sport as well as his impact at the English club Leeds United, since it’s not the first time a Leeds supporter has named their son after the former playmaker.
One person commented:
I wonder how many leeds fans kids are called lucas. I had to name my eldest the same. Mrs didn’t have a choice haha
— matt w (@mattw99244325) August 21, 2024
After joining the club in 1994, Lucas was a popular favourite among supporters and was nicknamed ‘The Chief’. In 1998 he went on to captain the team and played at least 200 games at the club before retiring in 2005.
Also see: Lucas Radebe keeps dreams of becoming SAFA president alive
