By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
Nelly refuses to be cut down by machete attack injuries…
IT’S hard to think of a more shining light for wayward youth than the ever-optimistic Nelly Yoa.
The Dandenong man, who narrowly survived a horrific machete attack at a Sudanese beauty pageant in 2011, has taken on a mentoring role with members of the notorious Apex Gang.
He is also the subject of an inspiring short-documentary Offside, due for release this month.
Mr Yoa considers himself lucky to be standing, having nearly bled to death from the unprovoked attack.
He was told by doctors at the time he may not walk again after being slashed several times on the knee, elbow and wrist.
A year later, he was walking with a distinct limp with only a 20 per cent chance his nerve-damaged right arm would repair.
Undaunted, he fully recovered – he learnt how to walk again, battled post-traumatic stress and silenced the doubts that he would make it back on the soccer park.
He has recently returned from playing in a Chinese soccer league. Over coming weeks, he will try out for A-League sides.
Remarkably, he has recovered his full sprinting ability – something the winger/striker considers one of his strengths.
Another of Mr Yoa’s strengths is his motivational speech.
He sat down recently to coach some Apex Gang members, many who were unemployed and estranged from families.
“What I said was try to keep yourself busy and involved in other things. Go back to school, get a job and get yourself known in the community.
“Do something in the community. Not just their community but in the Caucasian community as well.
“Act like an Aussie – that’s the only way the Sudanese name can be shown in a positive way.”
Mr Yoa believes “Aussies aren’t racists”.
“You’ve just got to understand the way they socialise.”
Recently, he turned down a spot in the South Sudanese national soccer team’s African Cup of Nations campaign.
“I’ll take my chances with the Socceroos.”
In the 15-minute doco Offside, there’s a re-enactment of the assault and how Mr Yoa rebuilt himself mentally and physically.
“It’s an inspirational type of feel-good story. I know people with ACL (knee ligament) injuries who have had operations and they tend to give up.
“Hopefully this will motivate them to pursue their dream.”
After four years, he got over the anger of the “lenient” three-month jail term that his attacker received.
“As much as I hate to admit it, I have forgiven him.
“I can’t do revenge. If I get a criminal record, I have a lot to lose.”
Watch the trailer for Offside.
