Ex-Bafana defender Issa reflects on France ’98 disaster

Retired Bafana Bafana defender Pierre Issa has looked back at the disaster that led to massive criticism during the 1998 FIFA World Cup tournament in France.

Hosted by the country where he grew up, Issa made his debut for the 1996 African champions just ahead of the global showpiece raising eyebrows in Mzansi.

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As an unknown to many football fans back in South Africa, the Germiston-born Issa has shared his experiences in a Bafana shirt.

The former defender who is now representing players as an agent, said he regrets not playing for a Premier Soccer League club.

BAFANA’S ISSA REFLECTS ON FRANCE ’98 DISASTER

The tall defender’s inclusion in the starting eleven against the French shocked many under former Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs coach Philippe Troussier.

Issa was introduced to the Bafana setup in a friendly against Germany back in November 1997 and went on to play 47 times for the Southern African nation.

“This is my biggest regret ever. I would have loved to finish and end up in the country but I did not have the chance to do it. It would have been great,” Issa told IOL Sport.

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Issa scored an own goal in Bafana’s loss against Les Bleus in the opening Group A match where Mzansi lost 3-0 in Marseille, but he says the fans are still supportive.

Following that defeat to the French who went on to win the tournament, Issa and Troussier became a subject of criticism by a section of the fans.

The 47-year-old is often wrongly attributed as having scored two own goals in the game when in actual fact he had only scored one.

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The second-half stoppage time goal for the hosts which many believe was an own goal conceded by Issa, is recorded officially as having been of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s first for his country.

“The people and fans were very good with me and I really thank them for the support. It was not easy after the first game against France,” he added.

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“I went on to play almost 50 games and the fans really helped me a lot. I was close to Benni (McCarthy), and Mark Fish. I’m now based in France and Greece so it has not been easy to keep in touch.”

ISSA REVEALS AMBITIONS FOR BAFANA PLAYERS

Based in Europe as an agent, I ssa argued that the 2010 World Cup hosts are not exporting enough players overseas.

He also believes the DStv Premiership pays good money compared to many leagues in the African continent.

However, he argues that while it has allowed players to earn better salaries, he feels that many may no longer have the ambition to play abroad.

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“We have so many great talents. I believe that the PSL is really good and players earn a lot of money,” he continued.

“Maybe they don’t dream to make it in Europe. I also believe it could help the game if ex-players are involved more in the game and show them what needs to be done at the top level.”

Reflecting on the current Bafana squad under coach Hugo Broos, the former Chelsea defender believes Bafana have shown good growth but says the team will be tested at the upcoming AFCON tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.

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