One of South Africa’s proudest footballing sons has recently celebrated yet another birthday, but despite now officially reaching his mid-50s he does not look a day older than the first time he shot onto the international footballing scene.
These days he appears to be busier than ever. When he is not doing ambassadorial work for the prominent chips brand, Lays, he uses the knowledge and experience gained over the years to impart words of wisdom to the future stars of football.
Recently, the proud husband and former Kaizer Chiefs player reflected on his life as a professional player over the years. In a recent podcast interview, he opened up about how things were not necessarily the greatest when making his move abroad to play in Europe where he joined England’s Leeds United.
During the interview, he revealed that he and Phil Masinga were one of the lowest-paid players in English football.
Apparently, we were the lowest-paid players in the Premier League. I was earning £5,000 a week — which was the minimum — while others were making far more,” he said.
The Premier League stepped in and said, ‘This is exploitation, especially because you’re from Africa’. I don’t think Leeds believed we would make it. Maybe they told our agents to just agree.
Today, he is widely adored by both past and current fans of the club, many of whom still reminisce about the years of service and value he added as both player and team captain.
Last year Lucas was invited by Leeds where he received a standing ovation during the halftime period of a Premier League match between Leeds and Sheffield United.
Later pictures emerged showing him engaging in personal one-on-one conversations with the current group of players in the locker room.
Also see:Bafana legend Lucas ‘The Chief’ pays a special visit to Leeds United
