By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Nelly Yoa’s inspirational tale is about to hit small and big screens worldwide.
The Dandenong man is the subject of the short film Offside.
It is based on the story of how he narrowly survived, learned how to walk again and resumed his promising soccer career after an horrific machete attack at a Sudanese beauty pageant in 2011.
The 15-minute film directed by Prashanth Raj re-enacts the events when his “dream” was nearly taken away.
Its most powerful moment is an epilogue to camera by Mr Yoa urging people to build self-belief.
He said that the film shows people can come back whatever their adversity.
“Hopefully this will motivate them to pursue their dream.”
It is screening on You Tube, at Federation Square on 7 October and at Harmony Square, Dandenong, at a date which is yet to be fixed.
Crowning his recovery, Mr Yoa has made this season’s reserve and youth squad of A-League club Melbourne City. He trains with the likes of Socceroo legend Tim Cahill.
But the club has also recognised Mr Yoa’s ambassadorial qualities, employing him as a community officer running soccer clinics and connecting with young people.
On his own voalition, he has taken on a mentoring role with members of the notorious Apex Gang.
As he has told Star News in the past, his approach is to urge disaffected youth to keep busy, stick at school, get a job and get involved in life.
“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.”
Offside – The Real Nelly Yoa Story can be seen on YouTube and also on the Facebook page “Offside – short film”.
Watch Offside here.
