Riki Gabsso, is Maccabi Tel Aviv’s faithful mascot, Maccabinio. We sat down to have a one-on-one with one of the most important part of the Yellow & Blue family:
Desire to be Maccabinio:
“The mascot and in this case Maccabinio is very important to any Club. One of the most important things is that the person inside the costume is someone who is a fan of the team, and I fit that bill.”
Being a woman and being the Mascot:
“I think that the fact that I am a woman in the costume off the mascot is like a startup. It’s very rare, new and the fans are loving it. They all say that I am representing something good and that I am bringing a good side to the game of football especially as a woman.”
Becoming a Maccabi fan:
“My uncle learnt in school with Avi Cohen z”l and he’s been a fan of the team for almost 60 years, so we all became fans because of him. He always wanted me to come to the matches with him. Maccabi is my life, my home and my family.”
Bringing more girls to the stadium:
“There’s a certain stigma to the stadium experience and we have to educate the fans a bit better to understand that there are women, mothers and young girls that are also part of the Maccabi family. I sit with plenty of my girl friends at away matches but there is plenty of work still to do.”
The best part about being Maccabinio:
“Meeting the children. I just love children. It’s such a great feeling to put a smile on the face of a child young or old including adults. I try to bring a special and important energy to the match.
Off of the pitch activities:
“Maccabinio is part of the club in every which way and form. From community activities, visits with children, programs with the players, Maccabinio must be there and be a part of every facet of Maccabi.”
Final words:
“If someone has a dream they should always go for it. I never thought I could be a mascot but here I am and it’s such an amazing privilege which I do with honor and pride. I want to see more girls in the stadium, take pictures with me and of course that we take the Double!”
