Lucas – From the Streets of Soweto to Soccer Superstar
Richard Coomber
Wild Dog Press
The author is a Yorkshireman, with a lifelong love for Leeds United. That Lucas Radebe authorised him to write his biography is proof of the impact the South African made in England.
However, the book meanders in places, and the Leeds connection – understandable given Radebe spent 11 years there before retiring in 2005 – becomes a bit much.
Those who read Madiba’s Boys, a biography on Bafana Bafana legends Radebe and Mark Fish, are familiar with Radebe’s childhood struggles and the problems faced with going from township poverty to the big time. All through this, however, Radebe comes across as a genuine inspiration and ambassador. – Gary Lemke