Lucas Radebe Exclusive: England can win the World Cup in South Africa

By Amar Singh
 
England will have a great chance to win the World Cup next year, according to ex-South Africa and Leeds United captain Lucas Radebe.

The 40-year-old Soweto-born star told Goal.com UK that he predicts Fabio Capello’s revitalised team will at least reach the semi-finals next summer and can benefit from playing in familiar weather and with huge support from local fans.

Radebe, an ambassador for South Africa 2010 - the first World Cup to be held in Africa - said: “I think they are looking more hungry and the players are looking forward to the World Cup.

“They never really played as a good team in the past but I think they can take advantage of many things next year. The winter conditions will feel like England and suit them, plus they will have a big following wherever they go because of the popularity of the Premier League.

“Some matches will feel like a home crowd. All the South African kids have shirts with the names of England stars like Gerrard, Rooney and Beckham on the back and this will be an inspiration.

“The team has good quality and young stars. I can see them reaching the semi-finals and it will be a great chance for them to win it.

“Capello is getting the combinations right in the players he picks. They have to be solid and consistent. They have to show signs of hunger and [be] winning every single game. I think England can do this.”

As South Africa Tourism's "2010 Ambassador to the World", Radebe has played a key role in drumming up support for the tournament amid claims that the nation would struggle to meet requirements in areas such as infrastructure, security and transportation. 

Leader of Leeds | Radebe is an Elland Road legend

Whilst the negative stories had put pressure on the organisers, Radebe said that a recent commendation from visiting FIFA delegates and the success of the Confederations Cup in June had dispelled fears that South Africa was ill-equipped to host half a million visitors.

“We were under pressure with the stadiums as there were strikes but we are proud that we have reached that stage where FIFA are really satisfied - it gives us more confidence that this will be a successful World Cup," he said. 

“There were a lot of questions about crime and infrastructure. But we proved at the Confederations Cup that we can handle transporting the fans and security."

Nevertheless, it is well documented that South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world. Even President Jacob Zuma has described the rate as ‘violent and abnormal’. How can fans planning to travel to South Africa not be alarmed by this?

Radebe responded: “The fans shouldn’t worry about the crime. At every major event there is double the security. We must eradicate any doubts over crime. There is nothing to fear. Football is the only sport that unites everyone in this country and I think this will make a difference.”

When asked whether he was concerned about hooliganism, he said: “I think it’s a long way to come just to cause trouble. But the security does have to be beefed up and aware of such people who are destructive. Most fans will have great fun and we will be welcoming everyone here.”

Whilst the host nation is earning praise off the field, the national team, nicknamed Bafana Bafana (The Boys, The Boys), have had a poor run on it, winning just once – against minnows Madagascar – in their last five matches.

Is Radebe as convinced that South Africa can deliver on the pitch as well as off it? “We have a promising team although they have not been doing so well," he admitted. 

“Premier League fans will know all about the quality of players like [Everton midfielder] Steven Pienaar but there are some really good young local stars who could make their mark. We’ve got Teko Modise, who is a prospect in midfield - he plays for the Orlando Pirates. Katlego Mphela of Mamelodi Sundowns is up front and has a bit of experience as he played in France. We have good young stars, and with the inclusion of Benni [McCarthy] and the other boys, South Africa can go far. 

“We have to see what the draw is like first but there is no greater incentive for those players than competing for their country on their home turf. It will be great experience and a host nation can always benefit. They can get to the semi-finals – once they get that far anything is possible.”

In the running | Pienaar is key to South African hopes

Radebe spent ten years at Leeds United, including the 1999-2000 season where he captained the team in its most successful Premier League season, with the club finishing third. He remains a fan favourite at Elland Road, where his name is still chanted in the stands.

His affinity with Leeds - and English football on the whole - has resulted in him becoming one of several 2018 World Cup bid ambassadors for the FA.

“I’m on board for England and looking forward to it,” he said.
“I had a great time in England in my playing days. The English are football-loving people so deserve to host the World Cup.”

Is he concerned about England’s campaign getting off to a stuttering start with one of FIFA's executive committee members, Jack Warner, going public about how unimpressed he was with the bid?

“They need to strive hard to improve their presentation and convince FIFA that they deserve to host it," Radebe responded. "It’s about promoting these great cities and showing what a football loving country England is.

“Millions follow the Premier League week in, week out. People will love to see the stadia and we all know that England has the infrastructure and facilities to put on a wonderful World Cup.”

But before then Radebe is firmly focused on helping make sure 2010 is a world class World Cup – not just for South Africa, but for the entire continent.

“This is a great moment for Africa. We are hosting this on behalf of Africa," he said.

“We will all be cheering for African teams. We wait to see our national team go through then we always follow the others. One of the African nations will go far. This is the chance to show people that one day, if not this time, an African country will win the World Cup.

"For South Africa to have the World Cup at home is an achievement. This is all about South Africa and Africans – of all races.

“This will bring Africa together and is another great step for South Africa as we move on from apartheid.”