Lucas Radebe vs Mark Fish
South Africa against South Africa. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Lucas Radebe
South Africa · 1996–2002 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in South Africa
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 70 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- Kaizer Chiefs, Leeds United
- Honours
- Hall of Fame 2005
When Nelson Mandela came to Leeds in April 2001 to collect the freedom of the city, he stopped in front of Radebe, said "Ah, Mthimkhulu", then turned to the crowd and called him his hero. He won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, captained South Africa at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups over 70 caps, wore the Leeds armband for seven years, and took FIFA's Fair Play Award in 2000. Career record: 70 caps and 2 goals for South Africa; club career at Kaizer Chiefs, Leeds United; honours include Hall of Fame 2005.
Mark Fish
South Africa · 1995–98 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 83
- Rank in South Africa
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 62 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- Orlando Pirates, Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic
The quarter-final against Algeria in January 1996 was goalless into the 72nd minute when Fish, a centre back, scored the first goal of a night that ended 2-1 to South Africa. He lifted that Africa Cup of Nations a week later, had won the African Cup of Champions Clubs with Orlando Pirates in 1995, was runner-up in 1998, and made the Team of the Tournament in 1996, 1998 and at the 1997 Confederations Cup. Career record: 62 caps and 2 goals for South Africa; club career at Orlando Pirates, Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lucas Radebe ahead by 4 rating points, 87 against 83.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.