Lucas Radebe vs Steven Pienaar
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.
Steven Pienaar
South Africa · 2010–12 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 84
- Rank in South Africa
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 61 · 3 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Everton
Everton's thousandth Premier League goal was a Pienaar header against Tottenham on 9 December 2012, scored in the blue shirt he wore for 203 games while he and Leighton Baines ran the left touchline together. Two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup came earlier at Ajax, Everton's Player of the Season followed in 2010, and he took 61 caps into two World Cups, wearing 10 at home in 2010. Career record: 61 caps and 3 goals for South Africa; club career at AFC Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Everton.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lucas Radebe ahead by 3 rating points, 87 against 84.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.