WHAT LUCAS RADEBE MEANT TO MANDELA

Nelson Mandela was man whose acts turned him a symbol of humanity. An icon to many and will be for future generations. Many look up to him as a role model, but whom did he consider as a hero? Is it presidents from the African, European, Asian, Arctic or Antarctica continents?Maybe it was great musicians like Michael Jackson and the likes,Perhaps it was self proclaimed kings and those who ran away from forced marriages, who knows?

Yes you got it right, it was only him who could answer, too bad he will never do.
However all is not lost, thanks to his unfading acts, at least we can get a glimpse of who his heroes were or was for this case.

Remember the 2010 world cup? Am sure you do but am certain you didn’t know what he said to Lucas Radebe. 

Lucas Radebe shaking hands with Legend Nelson Mandela

At the planet’s most prestigious sporting event – in a township synonymous with the long, desperate, bloody struggle against the vilest brand of inhumanity.

An entire nation was swollen with pride, among them Lucas Radebe, a native of ­Soweto, who survived a bullet that pierced his back and exited his left leg to go on and become a Premier League and international footballer.

It was during his time at Elland Road that Radebe turned up at a ceremony to mark Mandela being given the freedom of the city of Leeds.

Spotting Radebe, Mandela turned to his company of dignitaries.

“This,” he said, opening and ­flattening his palm towards Radebe, “is my hero.”

“I felt I could burst,” recalled Radebe. “Me? A hero to HIM?”

The two struck up what Radebe calls a “special relationship”.

It is from then that Mandela helped Radebe cope with heart problems and the tragic ­passing of his beautiful wife Fezi, ­championed the player’s ceaseless charitable efforts and even gave the national team pep talks ahead of significant matches. A true hero indeed.

Digging deeper into history the story of South Afrcia’s triumph in the 1995 Rugby World Cup – uniting a ­populace behind what was once an ­athletic symbol of white ­supremacy – crystallised his ideals for the Rainbow ­Nation

Now was it those in shiny suits, limousines and  living in luxury hotel rooms that he considered heroes? I do not think so, there was more into it than the stlye, race and type of people. It was the significance they made whatever they had passion for be it sports or something else have a significance in the community. 

And now is a poignant time for those who govern sports to realise their responsibility is to those to whom football is a passion, a joy and a distraction from the troubles of life.Looking down from heaven, He will surely be happy if this is achieved, for that is the true meaning of a Hero.