In this edition of My Locker Room Secrets, former Santos FC midfielder Erwin Isaacs reveals the behind-the-scenes details of the dressing room during his playing days.
Who was always late?
"There were a few guys who were always late. Zvenyika Makonese from Zimbabwe took the cake though.
"His excuse was always the same, that he's got wife problems [laughs]."
Any interesting rituals before they played?
"Personally, I always prayed before a match."
Who was the joker?
"Craig Bianchi. That one is full of jokes. He was always a funny guy.
"He always gave Makonese a hard time about his problems at home. He thought it was a joke when it was serious. They even exchanged blows."
Was it a muti change room?
"No. It was just a happy changing room full of vibes. We never used muti at Santos. Only at Bidvest Wits, I used one."
Who was the singer?
"There was this guy from Joburg, but I forgot his name, we called him 'Sticks', and Boebie Solomons would back him with his drum. Then we would all join in singing.
"Bongi Macala he also liked singing that one. And we were always on the tune"
Who was the best dressed and the worst dressed?
"There were a few guys who dressed well, Nasief Morris, Tyren Arendse…there was a few.
"Yhoo…Makonese was the worst dresser. In winter he would wear jeans with slippers. He would wear short stuff in winter and long stuff in summer."
Rate the coach's team talk
"Roger De Sa was the best when it came to team talks. He will always motivate you, even if you were feeling down.
"Always play for the name in front, not the name on the back. He would always say that."
