Defender Shahar Piven signed a new three-year-contract with an option at Maccabi Tel Aviv. The 22-year-old became the third Yellow & Blue player who grew up at the Club’s Youth Department to sign a long term contract this week. Piven spent 2.5 years on loan at Beitar Tel Aviv Ramle of the Leumit League and then moved to Ashdod for the last half season where he made 16 appearances before returning to Maccabi.

Piven spoke about the expectations, growing up through the ranks of the Youth Department and his ambitions:

“This is something I have been working for all my career. My ambition was to return to the club I grew up at and sign a professional contract.”

Going on loan:
“After my Under-19 season at Maccabi I went on loan to Beitar Tel Aviv Ramle for two-and-a-half-years, while the past half season I was loaned to Ashdod and took my first steps in the Israel Premier League. But now I’m happy to return to the club that I grew up at.”

Joining the First Team with other Yellow & Blue Youth Department graduates:
“Many of us grew up together through the ranks of the youth department and although we may be new at the first team level, we were together for a very long time. We’re very happy that we can play together once again.”

Expectations:
“I am fully aware of the expectations, but I think that I am ready. I intend to work extremely hard and wait for my chance.”