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Mpilonhle - A Good Life

Mpilonhle News

South African Soccer Great Lucas Radebe visits Silethukukhanya School

21 Sep 2009

The visit was supported by Woolworths, which was the major contributor to the construction of the soccer field and lighting at Silethukukhanya School. Lucas was scheduled to come for the official opening of the field in May, but was unable to attend because of illnesses.

But true to his promise and that of Woolworth Trust Board Member Pieter Twine, he did come to the school and spent all day with students. The day began at 8:30 with a tour of the school and the Mpilonhle Mobile Units, and then a breakfast sponsored by the school.

He then spoke to the students, emphasizing to them the need for them to be serious about their studies and committed to their communities. It was then time for questions and answers with the students and he got a wide range of questions. As can be expected from students, the questions were direct and unrehearsed. Questions included his take on the current Bafana Bafana team and controversies surrounding it, how he was affected by fame, what he liked most about playing soccer, what it took to be a star, and even how much he is paid for the Aqua Fresh commercials (he pointed out that he co-stars with his son and mother in the commercials so they get most of the income!).

Lucas then turned on the lights for the first time on the field (they were not yet operational during the official opening). He then gave a small coaching clinic, watched both a girls and boys football match, and finished with a lunch where he was able to meet school and Mpilonhle staff before heading back to Johannesburg. But before he left he promised to return again to the school. This was his first visit to this part of KwaZulu-Natal, and he liked what he saw.