Pierre Issa

Date of birth11 August 1975
Place of birthGermiston
NationalitySouth African
Weight85 kg
Height1.93 m
PositionDefender/Centre back

He was born in Johannesburg but raised in Paris and played most of his club football in France starting his career at Dunkerque in the 1994-1995 season. After just one season he left for Marseille where he spent six seasons mainly as a reserve player not really breaking into the first team. Despite this he made his international debut in November 1997 against Germany after being bought to the South African football authorities by accident. After a spell on loan at Chelsea, where he failed to make a senior appearance, he joined English First Division club Watford on a free transfer in July 2001. He started the season well but fell out with manager Gianluca Vialli when he elected to play for South Africa during the season in several friendly internationals and the African Nations Cup Finals. He lost his starting place in the team and was placed on the transfer list. He is the captain of the side when Lucas Radebe is absent and will start in the centre of defence.

Club history

Team Joined Left Loan / Trialist
USL Dunkerque
Olympique Marseille 27 Jan 2001
Chelsea 27 Jan 2001 07 May 2001 L
Olympique Marseille 05 Jul 2001 07 Sep 2001
Watford 07 Sep 2001 30 Jun 2002

Club stats

Season Team Competition Apps Subs Goals Y R
1999-00 Olympique Marseille UEFA Champions League 2
2000-01 Olympique Marseille French Championnat 8
1
1
2001-02 Watford FA Cup 1
2001-02 Watford League Cup 2
2001-02 Watford League Division 1 12
3
1
4


Please note: Career stats are based on performances in the Premier and Football Leagues and (in most cases all) internationals.