Celebrated former Bafana Bafana defender Lucas Radebe has raised his hand to succeed SAFA president Danny Jordaan. The ex-Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana defender says he is ready to lead SAFA and is already working on equipping himself for the hot seat.
In an interview with the media during the “No Lays No Game UEFA Champions League” event in Johannesburg, ‘Rhoo’ says he is well on track to prepare himself for the leadership position at SAFA. The 1996 African champion with Bafana says he is available for the SAFA presidency role should an opportunity present itself, and he will be ready.
Radebe Ready to Lead Embattled SAFA
The 54-year-old revered Leeds United legend and former skipper, Radebe says he is working tirelessly behind the scenes to equip himself in his quest to fulfil his long-time dream of serving as the country’s football governing body’s leader one day.
Born in Diepkloof, Radebe is one of the few former players to raise his hand and ready to lead SAFA and succeed Jordaan. “Absolutely, I am equipping myself and there are a lot of people that I’m talking to that are helping me with the right and relevant information. That will assist me to be ready one day,” Radebe said.
“I don’t have that attitude of telling myself that I know what to do or know better because I’m Lucas and all of that. Yes, some of the issues [happening at SAFA] I think that they are personal. But to be honest, we should be going there. We should be working towards bringing people closer together.”
“Because for me, the most important thing is leaving a legacy more than anything else, and bringing progress to our football. And how you do that is by identifying people within the structure. Bringing them closer and working on a succession plan with them.”
Radebe on Why He Wants to Lead SAFA
The Afcon winner with Bafana under the late coach, Clive Barker, Radede adds that he wants to see SAFA led by young leaders especially former professional footballers.
“Instead of bringing personal issues, of which I think is absolutely wrong,” he added. “The reality is that things have changes in life, there are young presidents now with different ideas. So why can’t we change as well? Change is good and I think footballers with know-how should be involved in the game at that level.”
Just last week, this publication reported that the SAFA House was raided by the Hawks, where they seized laptops and hard drives. Hawks’ spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said the warrants were prompted by allegations of fraud and theft. He said these amount to R1.3-million. Jordaan is accused of using SAFA resources for his gain.
In addition, this publication reported that the allegations raised by the Hawks directly target SAFA president Jordaan. “The allegations are that between 2014 and 2018, the president of SAFA used the organisation’s resources for his personal gain,” said the Hawks.
“Including hiring a private security company for his personal protection, and a public relations company without authorisation from the SAFA board. The president is also reported to have violated SAFA statutes thus prejudicing SAFA an actual loss of R1.3 million.”
Related: Hawks Raid Safa Over Corruption: Football Body Responds
