Former Santos striker Erwin Isaacs (pictured) says it is a tragedy that the once much-anticipated Cape Town derby between Santos and Cape Town Spurs has now become just a distant memory amongst football fans – and this is an indictment of the two clubs themselves!
For example, these two Cape side cross swords in a derby at the William Herbert Sports Complex on Wednesday (28 January) – yet no real excitement or fuss is being made – sad!
Both Santos and Spurs, who were acquired by the Efstathiou brothers after Ajax Amsterdam pulled out of Ajax Cape Town, have also sadly and dismally fallen from grace following their relegation from the pro-ranks of the PSL and NFD over time.
Both now feature in the ABC Motsepe League amateur ranks, which is the third tier of SA football – that is how low in the football pecking order they have dropped.
The 39-year-old Isaacs featured for both clubs during his career of nearly two decades of pro-football where he played over 150 matches for Santos scoring over 50 goals in the process, while at the then Ajax CT (now Spurs), he only scored once during his 61 appearances for the Urban Warriors – but that is mainly due to the fact that Stanley Menzo played Isaacs in defence at right back.
Isaacs, nicknamed ‘Appels,’ played in 20 derbies, scoring 10 goals and was a prolific striker and a menace for any defence and a nightmare for goalkeepers. Isaacs explained to No Bones with Jones. “I must be honest and say it like it is – it’s a tragedy and very sad, really, because that was the best derby in Cape Town and it always attracted a decent crowd.
“The atmosphere leading up to the game and especially on game day was amazing. Flags and vuvuzelas were blowing and people were excited and we as players could feel it as well. But I understand that they are no longer in the PSL and this is probably the consequence thereof,” he added.
“I remember we used to fight hard in derbies and leave everything on the field as both clubs wanted to be the kings of Cape Town, but Santos had the edge and they could only follow in our footsteps. We played with pride back then and to be the best in our City, you know.
“I always wanted to stand out in these games and Erwin Isaacs did. Walking out onto the field with all your family and friends in the crowd, supporting, shouting your name and that of your rivals, it’s magic, you know.
“Leading up to the derby, I used to sleep early and stay focused that week and also for extra training. That’s what it meant, you know. But its going to be a good game and will remind them about the good old days.
According to Isaacs, there’s one message in particular that he’d like to extend to the two sets of players: “They must play for the name in front, not for the name at the back,” Isaacs concluded.
