‘It’s very tough’ says Radebe on adapting to the English Premier League

Leeds United and Kaizer Chiefs legend Lucas Radebe has given his take on the pressure that comes with playing in the Premier League, after Burnley striker Lyle Foster was given a break in order to deal with mental health problems.

The Clarets confirmed last week that the 23-year-old is receiving specialist care, while attending to his mental wellbeing during his time off from club activities.

Radebe spent 11 successful years at Elland Road, having joined the West Yorkshire club from Kaizer Chiefs in 1994.

“Expectations are very high. You have to adapt to the conditions,” the former Leeds captain said. 

“And not just be one of the squad members but being one of the players that make a difference and contribute. It’s quite hard and tough.

“You have to fully take the opportunity to be adopted by people outside your country. For me, it was massive to leave everybody back home and my family to go settle where you never thought you’d make the grade.”

Star performer

Foster has been one of Burnley’s star performers with three league goals from seven appearances. Radebe added that it takes a lot more to settle down in a foreign country although the former Orlando Pirates forward has hit the ground running in English top-flight football.

“He (Foster) started very well by getting goals but in order to make a name for himself, to adapt and settle but it’s very tough,” the former Bafana Bafana captain concluded.

“I believe as South Africans we’re resilient. It takes a lot, especially in the first two years to dig in and work hard. As long as Lyle knows what he’s there for and what he means to all of us back home.”