Pierre Issa - has captained South Africa. (Allsport)
PIERRE ISSA
Position: Defender
Born: 11.08.75
Club: Watford
Pierre Issa was born in Johannesburg but was raised in Paris. However, his parents are of Lebanese heritage and his family are from Mouseitbeh in Beruit.
He started his footballing career at Dunkerque, but was then signed by Marseille. After two troubled years at the French club, he was signed by Watford boss Gianluca Vialli, who recognised his potential.
Issa made his debut for Bafana Bafana in November 1997 against Germany when South Africa lost 2-0.
However, after a fairly inauspicious start, he has quickly become an established international, earning thirty-six caps and helping South Africa qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
He has captained Bafana Bafana on several occasions, when Shaun Bartlett has not been available and will be looking to lead them to a possible place in the second round of the tournament.
To do that they must peform better than they did during the African Nations Cup.
Issa was part of the squad that crashed out in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 defeat by hosts Mali.
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