Former Santos striker Erwin Isaacs (pictured) says he has forgiven his attackers who nearly ended his life.
Just recently another former PSL striker from Cape Town Elton Meiring was stabbed to death in Joburg – but luckily for Appels, as he is known, he managed to survive the attack to tell the tale.
The 37- year-old Isaacs is now recovering after being knifed – inches away from his heart – on Sunday.
“I forgive them and I will pray for them so that God can open their eyes and realise that there is more to life than violence,” Isaacs told No Bones with Jones. “Everything happened so fast, you know. But I know God has plans for me in the community and I’m grateful for this opportunity that I’ve been given,” he added.
The incident, which happened on Sunday – which started off as just another day in the ghetto – with Isaacs minding his own business. Suddenly, out of the blue an alleged gangster, known to have converged down onto Isaacs and knifed him – missing his heart by a cat’s whisker.
Isaacs says everyone in the area knew he was doing coaching work so the attack caught him by surprise.
“They know I couldn’t even hurt a fly,” says Isaacs who is undoubtedly one of the modern-day legends of the People’s Team scoring more than 50 goals in over 150 appearances. “Why would I do things to hurt people and they know that. I always greet them. The guy who stabbed me, I’m actually always kind to him so I can’t understand,” Isaacs stated.
The former Ajax Cape Town and Wits University striker has a while back turned his life around to be a better person and role model for the kids in Lavender Hill and the broader Cape Town.
Needless to say Appels has already made an impact and is doing fantastic work in his hometown where he gives back with his coaching and experience of a former pro to the juniors of Lavender Hill. He won the league and knockout with the Lavender Hill FC’s under-16’s and under-18’s last season.
Isaacs said that with so many evils and negativity in the ghetto, it is imperative to help give direction to the young talent in the area. and to create hope.
“We have so many talented boys and that needs to be harnessed and channelled in a positive way and I’m here for that. Someone needs to show that we care about our youth and future football players. You know what, they all cried when they heard what happened.
“They thought that they were going to lose their coach. I can show you all the messages I received, and that is why I think God has bigger plans with me and these kids,” Isaacs concluded
