Premier League 30 Africa XI

Lucas Radebe: What needs to happen to make our players attractive to English Premiership teams again.

On Thursday, 29 June, campaign ambassador, Bafana Bafana and Leeds United legend, Lucas Radebe was in conversation with SuperSport’s Lwazi Ziqubu to discuss his involvement in the initiative, in the presence of a live audience as well as viewers tuning in via a live stream.

Twb Article 3 min read

In an hour-long conversation, the former Leeds captain spoke fondly of his time at Elland Road and the significance of the contributions of the first cohort of African players to play in the world’s best league.

Author

S'bo Gyre

Published

june , 2023

Premier League 30 Africa XI

“We [African players] came with something different in the way we play, especially with our body structure, compared to what they were used to. That elevated the Premier League,” he said.

The Chief, as he’s commonly known as, acknowledged the pressure of representing not only one’s country but also the continent. However, his desire to succeed saw him through.

“As Africans, we always looked back at where we come from. The surname on our backs meant a lot rather than the game itself.”
Having represented “The Peacocks” during an era that boasted a whole host of South African talent such as Mark Fish and Shaun Bartlett in the PL, he lamented Mzansi’s regression on football’s world stage. 

“We have the talent in South Africa but the passion and the love is questionable,” he reflected. Over and above administrative improvements, he passed the gauntlet to the players to elevate themselves.

“The talent is there - we’re not far off. If we can invest more in the element of professionalism away from the game, it would be absolutely brilliant.”
With Burnley’s Lyle Foster being the sole South African player in this upcoming Premier League season, his advice to Vincent Kompany’s target man was simple.

“The first three years are very important. Dig deep and put your head down and you would’ve achieved your goal. Where you are, give 100% effort and do your best to improve your game.”

In a campaign that Radebe described as a “joy and honour” to be a part of, fans have had an opportunity to vote for eleven (11) of their favourite African players from a pool of 30, with voting closing on 30 June 2023.

The media event was a precursor for another media event in Lagos on Wednesday, 05 July before the Gala Dinner, also in Lagos on Thursday 06 July 2023. There, the PL 30 Africa XI, voted by the fans, will be revealed in a glitzy evening befitting of Africa’s PL Kings. 

With the campaign wrapped up – and the countdown to the 2023-24 Premier League having already begun, SuperSport viewers can look forward to enjoying nothing but the best of football entertainment, unfortunately without Radebe’s beloved Leeds.

Arsenal, the team he has a soft spot for, alongside treble champions, Manchester City are but a couple of the teams DStv and GOtv subscribers can look forward to watching on Africa’s only true home of football.

Fans can also catch PL 30 Africa XI candidates on SuperSport for “Unbeatable Football!”
Fans can visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com to subscribe or upgrade and join in on the excitement. 

Article Supplied & Written by 

SuperSport & Multichoice
Creative Nation Magazine
What a Time to be African: A Triumph of Unity and Inspiration

In the crisp autumn of 2023, the echoes of victory still reverberate through the hearts of millions across the African continent. The Springboks, with their triumphant win at the Rugby World Cup, etched not just their names in history but crafted an inspiring narrative of unity and inspiration for a generation.

Creative Nation Magazine
Premier League 30 Africa XI : Lucas Redebe

On Thursday, 29 June, campaign ambassador, Bafana Bafana and Leeds United legend, Lucas Radebe was in conversation with SuperSport’s Lwazi Ziqubu to discuss his involvement in the initiative, in the presence of a live audience as well as viewers tuning in via a live stream.

Creative Nation Magazine
Qatar 2022 : The World Cup of Politics

It's been another four year cycle and the world is feasting its eyes on football's greatest showpiece event. Qatar 2022 is guaranteed to offer lots of unforgettable sporting moments

Creative Nation Magazine
Standom robbed me of Messi

Argentina versus France was the blockbuster finale that has millions tantalisingly expectant, as the Qatari-hosted showpiece comes to an end.

Creative Nation Magazine
Why this title means more to Pep

Success is not foreign to Pep Guardiola- the furthest thing from it. In his 13 years in management, he has won an impressive 10 league titles in 3 of Europe's top 5 leagues. Yet somehow, after clinching the Premier League title this Sunday he was in tears.

Creative Nation Magazine
Klopp’s astute Liverpool Rebuild

Time is proving that his inability to rebuild his Dortmund team after their back to back league titles and a UCL final run has taught Klopp invaluable lessons

Creative Nation Magazine
Banter FC: Red Devils In Hell

There has never been a more emotionally taxing time to be a Manchester United supporter in the modern era. No one wants to be “Banter FC” but the truth is, that is exactly who United is right now.

Creative Nation Magazine
Die-NYSTY : The Shortfalls of success

For a second year running, the race for the Scudetto does not include the “old lady”, Juventus. To all but the fans of the Bianconeri, this is a welcome shift in the Italian footballing landscape.

Creative Nation Magazine
The ethics world cup

It’s starting to feel old. Yet another week and yet another reason to question the ethics of those who govern football.

Creative Nation Magazine
Not so real Madrid

Not many in world football could’ve predicted the mauling Real Madrid would have at the hands of eternal rivals, FC Barcelona.

Creative Nation Magazine
What about the sports -washed ?

What’s a football fan to do in the face of their sports-washing owner?

Creative Nation Magazine
What is the whistle blower?

The Whistle Blower (#TWB) is a platform where unfashionable football takes have a home.

Creative Nation Magazine is a digital publication that celebrates and showcases the diverse creative talent of our nation. Our magazine provides a platform for artists, writers, photographers, and musicians to share their work with a wider audience.