Honorary
Doctorates |
Lucas Radebe received an Honorary Doctorate of Sport Science and President Taizo Muta, Hiroshima University received an Honorary Fellowship from Leeds Metropolitan University
World-class footballer and leading ambassador for sport Lucas Radebe received an Honorary Doctorate of Sport Science from Leeds Metropolitan University on Tuesday 12 July at 10.30am.
View images of Lucas Radebe at graduation
In the same ceremony President Taizo Muta, Hiroshima University collected an Honorary Fellowship on behalf on Hiroshima University.
President Taizo Muta of Hiroshima University said:
"Congratulations to all new graduates of Leeds Metropolitan
University, and my thanks for the fellowship awarded to Hiroshima
University, which has a long standing history of good relations
with Leeds Metropolitan University. In 1993
we first signed an agreement the efforts of which were practically
put forward by visits to each university. Since them we have
had an exchange of details, students and research collaborations.
In 1998 we started short term student exchanges and since 2000
we have sent students to Leeds Met to learn English and English
culture, with transferable credits which is very useful for the
students. In 2003 we planted a tree in Hiroshima to celebrate
our friendship and exchange ideas on university management."
Lucas Radebe said: "I’m very proud to work as a role model for those who want to be successful in life. I didn’t know much about Leeds before I came to play for Leeds United, coming from Soweto, a township of Johannesburg. Leeds United and the people of Leeds have made me what I am today. My work with the community is most important to me, to help those who are not as lucky as me. I met a young boy in the townships recently who just stopped and stared at me, I didn’t know what to make of it. He ran off to tell his friends in amazement that I spoke Zulu. They thought I was untouchable, living in another world. I really appreciate life and want to continue the community work I do. Everyone wants to make a difference, but I like to let the kids know that anything is possible.
"Receiving this honorary award today is a great honour, my mum wanted me to be a doctor, but I became a footballer, so now I can go back to my mum and say I’m an Honorary Doctor.
"I wish my fellow graduates all the best for their future, and to footballers to take their community work seriously."
Off the pitch Lucas Radebe provides inspiration for all youngsters, but particularly those from the impoverished townships of South Africa. He grew up as one of eleven children in one of the toughest areas of Soweto during one of the most violent times under apartheid. When he was fifteen his parents sent him to Bophuthatswana, one of the ‘homelands’ of the apartheid state. He played soccer to keep himself busy, starting out as a goalkeeper before moving to midfield. He joined the ICL Birds in the now defunct Bophuthatswana Soccer League and went on to sign for one of Africa’s most glamorous clubs, the Kaizer Chiefs in 1989.
In 1994 he and Philemen Mazinga were signed by Leeds United. Lucas was included in the deal to keep Mazinga happy; as it turned out he became the more valuable investment. Once George Graham was put in charge, Lucas took the opportunity to make his mark and demonstrate a strong motivational influence on the team. He was made captain for the 1998/99 season and when David O’Leary was appointed manager, his first request to the Board was to secure Lucas’s services for the rest of his career. In 1999/2000 Leeds finished third in the premiership and went on the next season to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Serious injury followed and Lucas was sidelined for two years. Having forced himself back to fitness, he led South Africa in the 2002 World Cup where his personal performances were exceptional. This marked the culmination of an international career, which began in 1992 with his country’s return to international sport after decades of isolation. He was a major force in South Africa’s 1996 African Nations Cup winning side.
Notwithstanding his professional successes, Lucas has never lost sight of his roots and has been acutely aware of his wider responsibilities as a role model. He acts as a FIFA ambassador for SOS Children’s Villages, a worldwide charity providing a whole living environment for orphaned children. His commitment to assisting disadvantaged children has also led him into close involvement with African AIDS charities and with charitable projects in Leeds and more widely in the UK.
In 2001 Lucas Radebe received the prestigious FIFA Fair play Award for his efforts to rid football of racism and for his work with children’s charities. Leeds United have designated 2004/05 Lucas Radebe’s testimonial year.
