United hero Radebe on World Cup

Leeds United's Lucas Radebe in earlier times at a Leeds book signing

Former Leeds United captain Lucas Radebe talks about the playing of the World Cup in his native South Africa.

He is now the 2010 FIFA World Cup Ambassador for South Africa.

Lucas Radebe told BBC Radio Leeds: "This is a dream come true we watched the world cup on telly and admired all those countries and players. We never really thought that one day we would be given that responsibility.

"We are ready... all the stadiums are up."

"We hope that people will go back with great memories of the World Cup, not only the football they are going to enjoy but the tradition and culture, especially the history that is in the township of Soweto."

Radebe grew up, under apartheid, in a large family in Soweto. He went on to make a lasting impression with Leeds United and played 70 times for South Africa.

Back home Radebe, nick-named The Chief, played for Kaiser Chiefs. It was an appreciation for Lucas Radebe that led to the Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs adopting their name from Radebe's ex-team.

He was part of the Leeds squad that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2001 and made more than 200 appearances for Leeds in a career spanning 11 years and is still fondly remembered at Elland Road.