Dominic Isaacs showed towards the end of last season on why the Glamour Boys brought him to Naturena in the beginning of 2008/2009. Highly rated by his previous coaches, ‘Domza’ as he is known in football circles took time to speak to kaizerchiefs.com about overcoming injuries, life in Johannesburg and his ambitions.

How do you cope with life in Gauteng being a ‘Capetonian’?


Thami Zembe

Dominic Isaacs: It was difficult at first as I had to battle with injury that I was carrying from Ajax (Cape Town). I also had to cope as for the first time I was away from my family. It was difficult in the beginning.

I was able to overcome that and started enjoying myself. Also what brought joy to me was featuring in games.

You are one of the best defenders in the country but you have never been selected in the national team, how do you feel about this? I would also like to know if you wear false teeth like other cool ‘Capetonians’ like Moeneeb Josephs, Mark Williams, etc.


Molefe GM

Dominic Isaacs: I cannot say I have been overlooked. If you look at the quality of players playing in my position in the national team you will see it’s guys who are winning things in their clubs and some of them are playing in Europe. I can assure you though that I have not given up on my dream to represent my country at the highest level.

Your second question, (laughing), No I do not have false teeth. I think it is not only guys from Cape Town who do that but also people around the country in areas like Port Elizabeth and so on.

Don’t you miss Cape Town? Tell me what do you do to give back to the people from where you grew up?


Steven “Q” Matau

Dominic Isaacs: I do miss Cape Town, it my home. In life sometimes you need to make sacrifices to reach your goals and that is what I did by coming to Joburg.

I am a breadwinner at home so at the moment there is nothing I am doing for the community. I do go to schools to speak to the kids whenever a chance arises to speak to them. I believe that words of encouragement at times carry more weight than gifts. Also my family takes more time when I am home because I am there for something like a week or so.

I am open to any suggestions that people from my community can come up with. I will never turn my back from a community that has supported me through and through.

You are doing right my man but you need to watch out on your tackling around area, it is sometimes better to guide an opponent than throwing a tackle…


Dorrington Nyewula

Dominic Isaacs: (jumping in) I call the 18-area box a ‘holy place’. I believe that tackling is one of my strengths as a defender. Football is a contact sport and at times you cannot avoid tackles. There are also cases when you have to sacrifice for a team by making a foul…it happens but I do not think that I am reckless with tackles around the ‘holy area’.

Congratulations on your recent sterling performances, what has contributed to that and how did you manage to bring yourself back from a long-term injury that you had?


Lulama Sikwebu

Dominic Isaacs: I am not arrogant but very confident in my ability as a footballer! The injury brought more hunger in me, not to say that I was less hungry before the injury.

How is life in Jozi and how are the people here?




Ebrahim Abdulla

Dominic Isaacs: Life in Jozi will swallow you if you not careful! There are many things that can distract you here and you need to be careful on who you mix with in Jozi. As for people, I find them very encouraging but my home is one and that is in Cape Town!

I have noticed with interest how your game has progressed and improved. However having said that I still believe that you have not reached your true potential to become a legend in the game, and be counted among the greatest players who ever donned the Gold & Black jersey like Jimmy “The Brixton Tower” Joubert, Garth “Smadzadza” Alledayce, Sylvester “City” Kole…


Zukile Masimini

Dominic Isaacs: I fully agree with you! I am working towards this at training every day. I know that I can still do much better. I live a clean life and am committed to my job and that will help me reach my goals.

Where were you born and where do you see your future in football in five years time?


Musefowa Lucas, Praktiseer

Dominic Isaacs: I was born in an area called Cape Flats in Cape Town. It is not as rough as people make it to be. I do not know what God has in store for me in five years time…maybe I will be a pilot (laughing).

What is your future like at Kaizer Chiefs?




Mangaliso Mashiane

Dominic Isaacs: I have a year to go on my contract with the Club. I think the Management can respond better to the question you have asked. I will continue giving my best on the field and if I play well then there are chances of me extending my stay here in Naturena.

What is your preferred position and who is your current favourite player in the PSL?


Prince Radzuma

Dominic Isaacs: The position I am currently playing in is my preferred one. Brent Carelse whom I have known since I was 11 is the best player in the league for me. He is a complete player who makes football looks easy.

Do you think if you were not struck by injuries when you arrived at Chiefs you have stood a better chance of making it to the World Cup?


Clive

Dominic Isaacs: World Cup? (Taking a pause) If I was playing I think I would have stood a better chance of being selected. I think also the whole thing about me being injured for the better part of last season was exaggerated. I had an Achilles injury towards the end of last season and the doctors advised me to rest it for six weeks thus missing the Vodacom Challenge last year. On my return Thomas Sweswe and Thabang Rooi were doing extremely well for the team. For the better part of last season I was fine, I had no injuries as it was reported in some sections of the media.

Are you married and how many children do you have?


Reuben Mohale

Dominic Isaacs: No, I am not married and I do not have children.

With whom are you comfortable playing with at the back?


Mkhacani Chauke

Dominic Isaacs: It is not my job to choose on who should partner me at the back but that of the Technical Team. I am comfortable playing with all the guys in the team as long as the level of communication is at the highest level.

Howard Freeze was called the “The Rock” and you are also given the name because of your solid defending…how do you feel about it?


Mpho Mohlala

Dominic Isaacs: I guess it’s okay, I do not have problem with it. Growing up, I admired guys like Doctor Khumalo, Ace Khuse, Fani Madida, Lucas Radebe, and others. I prefer to be called ‘Domza’ though. I was called Domza since my childhood days at Cape Flats.

What advise can you give to youngsters in Cape Town who would want to make it big in Jozi?

Dominic Isaacs: There is no substitute for hard work. It can be difficult but focusing on your goals. The words ‘be strong’ never take them lightly. Leave a clean life, be dedicated, be determined and be disciplined.

I would like to thank all of you for sending words of encouragement and questions. See you at the stadium.