Nigeria legend on how ex-Bafana skipper inspired him in EPL

Former Nigeria Super Eagles skipper John Obi Mikel reveals how Bafana Bafana legend Lucas Radebe inspired him to play in the Premier League.

Radebe starred for Leeds United for more than a decade and it’s evident that he didn’t only inspire South Africans, but players from the African continent too.

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Mikel featured for Chelsea in the Premier Legaue where he bagged the league title and was a star to be reckoned with in the African continent.

Speaking to Mzansi media per The Citizen while on a visit for the UEFA Europa League trophy tour in Johannesburg, Mikel praised the Bafana legend.

NIGERIA LEGEND ON HOW EX-BAFANA SKIPPER INSPIRED HIM IN EPL

The 36-year-old Nigeria legend, Mikel reveals that the former Kaizer Chiefs and Leeds defender was a true example of role model for him.

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Radebe, born in Diepkloof in Soweto still enjoys legendary status in England where the fans regard him as a top club icon.

Furthermore, Mikel adds that he watched ‘Rhoo’ and that is how he inspired him to play football at the highest level as he went to on to star for the likes of Chelsea FC, Middlesbrough and Trabzonspor in Turkey.

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“It’s special to bring the trophy here for the first time. It’s great to showcase the Europa trophy here in South Africa,” said Mikel.

“It’s special and a great feeling and it’s also about inspiration.

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“This man (Radebe) right besides me inspired me. I watched him play while growing up and I wanted to play in the English Premier League just like he did.

“So, because of his inspiration, that’s why I got into the premier league.

“Today I’m here and I want to inspire the next generation to make sure they can win this (Europa trophy) or even more. Thanks to Enterprise and the UEFA Europa League for bringing the trophy here.”

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Having spent some time with the now defunct Ajax Cape Town at Ikamva, Mikel looks back and says his time with the then Mother City-based club helped pave a good future for him.

“I spent some of my youth camps here. I lived in Cape Town for like four months with Ajax Cape Town,” adds Mikel.

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“It was great, the facilities were also great and the atmosphere. It kind of helped me growing up.

“We just have to continue to improve our football locally, and by doing that, we will be able to provide nice environments for our youths and academies to be able to improve so that when they get to Europe they already know what is like to be a professional.”

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