Lucas Radebe insists this is the year when Leeds will finally win promotion back to the Premier League.
Radebe was at Leeds when they were last in the top flight in 2004 and the Elland Road great is desperate to see his old side return.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Championship leaders hold a seven-point lead over third-placed Fulham with nine games to go and The Chief is confident they can finally get over the line after so many past disappointments.
Radebe, who made 256 appearances for Leeds between 1994 and 2005, said: “This is the year when Leeds United have to come up.
“Once the club does well, the city buzzes and we need that back. I’m sure this is the year for that to happen.”
Radebe, 51, has followed Leeds closely since he left 15 years ago and feels owner Andrea Radrizzani has transformed the club from being perennial under-achievers.
The former centre-half says the Italian has instilled a winning mentality at Elland Road and Bielsa’s side won their last five games without conceding before the shutdown in mid-March.
Radebe knows the huge potential at Leeds and believes they will go on to challenge for honours if they do go up this season.
“Andrea Radrizzani has changed the club as a whole and instilled a winning mentality,” said the former South African star.
“The Premier League misses Leeds United and I think they will be able to challenge for prizes if they come up.”
