After defeating Hapoel Ramat HaSharon away in rough weather last Matchday, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will return to their home facility, the Municipal Stadium in Ramle and host Maccabi Petach Tikva on Matchday 14 of the Youth Ligat Ha’Al. Maccabi will look to move up on the table as they will attempt to cut into the Petach Tikva second place position which they trail by only three points from fourth place.

Immediately following Coach Guy Tzarfati’s final training session prior to the match, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv defender Amit Rosenboim discussed the match ahead, the team’s defensive play along with his own personal preparations he is making before diving into the deep waters of First Team life:

“We had a good tactical training session prior to the match. We all know what we have to do and Guy gave us a good briefing in order to prepare for Saturday’s game. We’ve been playing very well defensively and this goes back to not giving up many goals. It’s true we didn’t play well at the start start of the match, but we knew how to change up our momentum, score and keep the result.

About keeper Omer Kats injury:

“First off, I along with the whole team want to wish him a speedy recovery. We have some very good keepers on our squad and I enliven that whoever will play will grab the opportunity with both hands.”

On facing former coach Ori Uzan who’s now in charge of Petach Tikva:

“We are going to play against Ori who’s a great coach. I’m happy that I had a chance to play play him. We aren’t really focusing on the opponent as we have our own way as both a team and a club.”

Nearing the end of his time in the youth leagues:

“I’m in my last year with the Under-19 side. I’m training a lot and working very hard in order to make it to the next level. It begins with the small things such as eating habits, nutrition, rest and taking care of myself properly. Once you understand that you’ve chosen to be a footballer as a profession you have to give it your all because there isn’t time to chance things up.”

Outside of football, what do you do in your free time?

“I really enjoy being with my family and friends. I can also tell you that playing FIFA is a huge hobby of mine. I also really like music but unfortunately I don’t know how to play any instruments because football takes up most of my time, but I’m sure one day I’ll get the chance.”

Where do you see yourself on five years time?

“Part of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first team squad.”