We missed the league when it was on break but now it’s back and better than ever. The Ligat Ha’Al returned on Saturday and Maccabi Tel Aviv will join the fray in Israeli football’s most popular and important competition. Shota Arveladze’s Yellow & Blue have finished the preparations for the opening Matchday and now it’s time to get to know Hapoel Kfar Saba, version 2016/17.
Stadium: Levita
Coach: Sharon Mimer
After leaving Hapoel Beer Sheva in the middle of last season, Kfar Saba’s coach had one goal in mind which was to keep his club in the Ligat Ha’Al and avoid relegation. After replacing Felix Naim, the Sharon Greens recorded a number of quality victories but near the end of the year faltered a bit, however they were still able to remain in Israel’s top flight division. Following years as an assistant and head coach of Hapoel Rishon Le’Zion in the Leumit League, Mimer will open up his first season as a head coach in the Ligat Ha’Al.
Comings & Goings:
Players coming:
Ran Kadosh, Slavisa Stojanovich, Ben Weizman, Dusan Matovic, Itzik Cohen, Ben Grabli, Lior Levi, Toner Levi, Guy Hadida, Diogo Kachuba, Slobodan Simonic, Maxim Skavysh
Players going:
Dudu Biton, Ohad Cohen, Ban Rahal, Tal Banesh, Hugo Lopez, Amir Nussbaum, Dino Skorc, Yannis Papadoulopus, Nevo Mizrachi, Ori Shitrit, Liran J’an, Reef Mesika
Preseason:
Hapoel Kfar Saba played there matches in the Toto Cup and haven’t scored a goal to date in those contests. Following one loss and two goalless draws, Mimer and his squad will have to work very hard in order to avoid another season where they may have problems remaining in the league.
Under the magnifying glass: Mavis Tchibota
The winger who was loaned by Maccabi Tel Aviv had a successful first campaign in the Ligat Ha’Al and was a key part of both Felix Naim and Sharon Mimer’s side. Last season Tchibota scored four goals as the striker will look to better that this coming year, his second in the top flight.
