Leeds United reveal second special announcement as Elland Road icon appointed in club role — YEP 27/9/25
A pair of important announcements were made during Leeds
United's Premier League meeting with Bournemouth.
Leeds United have unveiled former player and Elland Road
favourite Lucas Radebe as the club’s latest official ambassador.
Radebe was introduced to the Elland Road crowd during the
half-time break of Saturday’s Premier League game against Bournemouth. The
score was 1-1 after the opening 45 minutes, with Joe Rodon cancelling out
Antoine Semenyo’s opener in what was a feisty affair.
Former centre-back Radebe played 256 games across a
decade-long spell in West Yorkshire, having joined from South African outfit
Kaizer chiefs in 1994. He also enjoyed several years in the role of club
captain and became affectionately known as ‘The Chief’ among supporters.
Those supporters will be seeing a lot more of Radebe,
following confirmation he has been appointed in an official Leeds ambassadorial
role. The 56-year-old will be a presence on matchdays, at community visits and
club events, joining another recent appointment in Stuart Dallas.
A club statement read: “Lucas is a focal point for
award-winning educational schemes and anti-racism campaigns, and his dedication
to supporting the Leeds community on numerous important topics has been
astounding, demonstrated through the many awards he has received.
“It is an honour to welcome Lucas back to the club, with the
official announcement made at half-time of the club’s Premier League fixture
with AFC Bournemouth, where he was introduced to the pitch and we look forward
to the future.”
Leeds confirmed earlier this month Dallas had been appointed
as an ambassador, with the 2019/20 Championship title-winner recently attending
a Premier League fan event in the USA. Radebe is expected to partake in similar
events, with his new role the second of two special announcements made on
Saturday.
Fans were instructed to be in their seats by 2.45pm ahead of
the Bournemouth game for the first of those announcements, with Revie Boy John
Giles handed a lifetime achievement award. The Irishman spent 12 years at
Elland Road during Leeds’ most successful years, playing 527 games and winning
multiple major honours including two First Division titles.
Elland Road gave the 84-year-old a standing ovation as he
was welcomed on to the pitch and handed his award by managing director Robbie
Evans. "I'm delighted to be here today and I'm delighted with the response
from everyone," said the former midfielder. "I have quite a lot of
memories, good memories at Elland Road.
“Getting promotion in my first season, with Bobby Collins, Billy Bremner and all these great players. It was a privilege to play with these players. The success we had, winning the league and all those things, we always got a great response from the crowd."
