Pierre Issa

Pierre Sanharib Issa (born 11 September 1975) is a South African former professional soccer player who played as a defender. He is the sporting director of Greek side Olympiacos.

Personal life Issa was born in Germiston, South Africa, to a family of Lebanese Christians who fled Lebanon at the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War in 1975. The family joined his maternal grandfather, who served as a Lebanese consul in Johannesburg. At the age of 11, Issa relocated to France due to his father's business activities.

Club career Issa began playing football in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône at age 11; he joined the academy of French semi-professional side Dunkerque at age 16.

International career Issa played 47 times for South Africa since making his debut on 15 November 1997 against Germany, having also captained his country.