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By Sibongiseni Gumbi

Football Writer


We all want an African team to win World Cup, says Radebe

"I think the continent will move once we do that,” says the Bafana legend.


Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas “Rhoo” Radebe believes an African country winning the World Cup would shift the way the world looks at the continent. 

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And With Morocco on the cusp of making history and becoming the first African team to get into the World Cup final, Radebe says it is getting closer to see an African team lift the prestigious trophy. 

Morocco meet France in a semifinal in Qatar on Wednesday evening and have a good chance of knocking out the defending champions. 

If they manage to get past France, Morocco will meet Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final on Sunday.

“The time for Africa to win a World Cup, I think it is getting closer,” Radebe says in an interview with CNN’s African Voices Changemakers. 

“It will be the greatest moment because as Africans, I think we all want an African team to lift that trophy. 

“I think we’ll shift the world. I think the continent will move once we do that and I think we will see miracles. I mean, it will be absolutely beautiful,” adds the Bafana legend. 

Radebe is one of the most successful footballers South Africa has ever produced. And was the first South African player to captain an overseas side. 

Radebe was captain at Leeds United where he remains a big figure with even a beer named after him in the city. 

He advised upcoming players to not look at football with an immediate goal of making money off it, but they must first build themselves. 

“It’s all about the talent. It is about how far you can take it and showcase it. And at the end of the day, money will look after itself. 

“You don’t have to chase money, nice cars, or big houses. What you should focus on (first) is you.”

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