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It’s been almost two years since Maccabi Tel Aviv has faced Ramat Hasharon as the club dropped to the Leumit League and has played there the past couple of seasons. The side from the Sharon is searching for a way back to the top division and hope that this year they’ll accomplish just that.

What changes has Ramat HaSharon made over the past year-and-a-half and what team is Maccabi going to face in the State Cup Round of 32?

Coach: Lior Zada

After many years under coach Haim Shabo, Ramat HaSharon chose Lior Zada to lead the club. Zada spent many years in Israel’s capital coaching both Hapoel Katamon and Hapoel Jerusalem while the past two seasons he also guided Ironi Kiryat Gat and Maccabi Yafo Kabilyo.

Current Form: D-D-L-D-L

Ramat HaSharon has recently experienced a run of poor form and their last victory was back in November 2015. Even though they have been struggling of late, Zada’s side is still considered to be a legitimate contender for promotion as they have a match in hand and are only 6-points away from the top of the table.

Ex-Maccabi players:MTA__1427286768_Negative0132

Over the past few seasons Ramat HaSharon has been home to a number of former players who spent time at Kiryat Shalom. Today you can find the likes of Yossi Shivchon, Kobi Moosa and Ben Ben Yair who once wore the Yellow-and-Blue playing for the Sharon side.

Did you know?

Thursday will mark the first time that Maccabi Tel Aviv has faced Ramat “Nir” HaSharon in the Israel State Cup tournament.

Through the eyes of the scout:

Amir Turgemen has scouted Lior Zada’s side a number of times this season and has this to say about the rival from Grundman: “Ramat HaSharon is a team that combines both young players and veterans with many years of experience. The club is also comprised of players who grew up in other team’s youth departments but is a team that plays with a lot of heart and pride. They have talent that doesn’t always reach their potential. In terms of their style, they are a club that likes to control the ball, but it won’t be so easy for them to do that against a team like Maccabi. They have a very strong and tall striker by the name of Juvenal Nnaemeka who will certainly be the address for fast breaks.