The day Lucas Radebe was shot

Lucas Radebe's 'rags to riches' story was very nearly ended almost as soon as it had begun. The Leeds United legend, nicknamed 'The Chief' grew up in the slums of Soweto, near Johannesburg, during one of the most violent times in South Africa under apartheid.

One of eleven children, he learnt his trade playing barefoot with a ball made of rolled-up socks. His breakthrough came during 1989, when talent scouts spotted him and signed him up to play for one of Africa's most glamorous clubs, Kaizer Chiefs.

But within two years the youngster's career would come under serious threat. Radebe had been out on the streets of Soweto with his brothers, one of his sisters and her baby. As they walked and shopped they heard gunfire, but didn't pay it much attention because, said Radebe: 'In Soweto you heard shots all the time'. Unfortunately, this time the gunfire was directed in the young footballer's direction and a bullet hit him in the small of the back and exited through his thigh.

As he was rushed to hospital, Radebe claims that the main concern running through his mind was not whether he would live or die, but whether he would be able to play football again. Fortunately, the wound was not too severe and Lucas's career was soon back on track. Neither the gunman nor the motive for attacking Radebe was ever discovered, although Lucas does harbour suspicions that his assailant was hired to prevent him from leaving the Kaizer Chiefs.

He says the shooting was both a 'defining moment' and a 'blessing in disguise.' His brush with death made him determined to make the most of his life and his talent, and in 1994 Howard Wilkinson, then manager of Leeds United, brought Radebe and his team mate Philemon Masinga to the Premiership. From that moment onwards for 'The Chief', the only way was up.