Leeds United announced Lucas Radebe and Johnny Giles were to be honoured in their ‘special announcement’ against Bournemouth.
The duo may be from different eras of the club’s history, but they are both considered Leeds United legends and among the best players to have ever made an appearance for the Whites.
Per Graham Smyth pre-match, Johnny Giles was introduced to the Elland Road crowd for the first special announcement. He was announced as receiving a lifetime achievement award.
However, the second ‘special announcement’ they revealed was that Lucas Radebe was being made a Leeds United ambassador as well.
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Lucas Radebe honoured by ‘special announcement’ from Leeds
The news follows after Radebe reacted to Stuart Dallas becoming Leeds ambassador recently, with the duo taking on extra responsibility to represent the club.
It’s clear that the South African loves Leeds, having spent 11 years with the club from 1994-2005. Radebe has been seen celebrating Leeds goals previously, but Radebe scored memorable Leeds goals himself.
Leeds fans had hilarious ideas for the special announcement but instead, it was something far more rewarding with regards to ‘The Chief’.
A year ago, Radebe was a special guest at Elland Road. A year on, and the 56-year-old is being honoured in the best possible way. He reacted on X (formerly Twitter) to the news.
He said: “Honoured @LUFC looking forward to a close relationship with fans and community #MOT”
Had it not been for injury, Radebe would have played more than the 256 times in those 11 years. It’s a shame that the South African legend can’t put his boots on because he would be the best player at the back for the Whites.
During that 11-year stint, Radebe played with some wonderful players at Leeds. The likes of Mark Viduka, Tony Yeboah, Gary Speed, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and plenty of other heroes and icons to wear the shirt.
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Ben Parker poses with Lucas Radebe during special announcement for Leeds
Radebe had an immense partnership with Jonathan Woodgate during their time together. The Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon pairing now may well be strong, but it pales in comparison.
Jaka Bijol is the centre-back at Leeds most like ‘The Chief’ and Radebe reacted to Bijol signing for Leeds. However, he is not the only Leeds defender past or present to have a connection with the former captain.
Ben Parker posted the above photos prior to the game on Saturday, with Radebe all smiles before his announcement.
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