This Saturday, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv faces it’s city rival Hapoel when they visit the Wolfson Training Center on Matchday 13 of the Toto Youth League. Ziv Arie’s Yellow-and-Blue side are ahead of the Reds by two points and sit in second place on the table.
Many players on this year’s squad haven’t experienced an Under-19 Derby, however, Gaby Kanichowsky is someone who can describe the feelings one experiences playing in this type of match-up: “From the team’s perspective you have to look at this as just another game, but there’s 
no question that a Derby is a totally different experience. The fact is that last year we lost two Derbies and the atmosphere, the feelings and the pressure before one of these games you could say is as close as it comes to a First Team match. Even more than the Champions League Youth League matches.”
Kanichowsky, who is playing for the youth team and has trained with the First Team had a major learning curve this season: “First off, the season began with the Champions League Youth League which in itself is a totally different experience. We knew we wouldn’t go very far in the tournament as it was our first time in the competition along with our side being fairly young. From a personal standpoint, I learnt a tremendous amount and having had the opportunity to train with the First Team was very important. Playing in the Toto Cup gave me thirst for more.”
Only 18 years of age, Kanichowsky didn’t deny that the transition to train with the First Team was tough: “At the beginning, training with the First Team and playing with the youth side was difficult. I had problems with my self confidence when I was with the big team and that affected my play on Saturday. With time, I realized that it didn’t make a difference where I played and that I had to give 100%. After a couple of games, I was able to make the transition. The First Team players really supported me when I made mistakes, they would explain what to do, where to go on the pitch and that really helped me.”
The midfielder has scored two goals this season, also discussed the Maccabi “Shachar” year so far: “We’re on the right path. We have had some ups and downs all year and we really want to leave a mark on the Derby, that we are a team fighting for the league title. This season has been more difficult and challenging, but we have a young team that wants to continue to learn.”
