Category: Junior Team

Youth Department action, Saturday January 14, 2017

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Kiryat Shemona – Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv, 11:00, Kiryat Shemona
Guy Tzarfati’s Club will look to keep the positive momentum going as they head to the north of the country on Matchday 15 of the Youth Ligat Ha’Al. The young Yellow & Blue have won two games in a row and currently sit in 3rd place with 27 points while their Kiryat Shemona counterparts find themselves in 5th place with 24 points.

Gadna “Roni” Tel Aviv – Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv, 8:45, Gadna Tel Aviv pitch
The Under-16’s are in a battle for the top spot of the league as their coach Alon Brumer will try to keep them as close as possible to the peak of the league as they play a Little Derby on Matchday 15 against the last place team.

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv – Beitar “Gadi” Jerusalem, 10:30, Kiryat Shalom
Ori David’s team currently leads their Under-15 league and will look to keep up their fine record of no losses on Matchday 13.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv (Under-17) and Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv (Under-15) are off this Matchday.

NEW: Training Principles in Modern Football Course

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Over the last few years, sports science has become essential in providing information to plan, implement and monitor training programs in the field of football. This coming March, a brand new course will be launched in conjunction with the Maccabi Tel Aviv Sports Science Department and the Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sports that will deal with training methodologies in modern football. The course which will be a total of 60 academic hours and will meet 12 times at Kiryat Shalom. Lecturers will include Dr. Antonio Dello Iacono, Course Coordinator, the Youth Department’s Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen, Raymond Atteveld and other coaches from the department.

Registration for the course which begins on March 10th and will be held on Fridays between 09:30-14:30 is already open. In an interview with the Official Website, Dello Iacono discussed what awaits those who take part in the course.

What was the idea behind the course?
“This is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time and it’s thanks to Patrick and the new work methods that have been implemented in the Youth Department which sped up the process of starting the course. We decided to not only touch on the theoretical side but also on the methodology of training along with the aspects of the professional, philosophical and tactical parts of the game.

Each class will be five academic hours and the course will be split up into three parts. The first will be in the classroom and will deal with the scientific and professional background which will include many practical examples. We will then move onto the pitch for part two where the Youth Department coaches will put what was learnt in the classroom into practice while the third part will be an open discussion, analysis of what was put into practice and a wrap up of both the theory and practical parts of the course.”

What requirements are necessary to enroll in the course?
“The criteria is that registrants must be football coaches and not a football counselor or group leader. They must have a professional background. A third year student who is a candidate for a physical education degree and has passed a test in scientific basics of physical fitness may register. A person without a background or experience may not register for the course because it will be taught at a very high professional level and we want the participants to be able to understand the course matter. Another goal further down the line is to expand the course to a year, but right now there will be 60 hours over 12 classes.”

What are the advantages of this course?
“The practical experience of the lecturers. Whether it’s a coach who was once a player, or a performance director who has managed both youth departments and first teams over the course of 15 years or one who has an academic background based on a tremendous amount of scientific research.”

Tzarfati: “I’m happy to fix things up after a win”

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Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv picked up their second win in a row defeating Maccabi Petach Tikva 1:0 on a goal by Dor Galili in the 28th minute. The young Yellow & Blue were able to maintain the lead, pick up the points and move into second place on the table.

Guy Tzarfati, the Under-19 coach spoke about the win and his squad’s efforts at home: “We’re happy. We played well in the first half and we had plenty of chances. In the second half we slowed down a bit. We have to pay attention and really look at why this happened to us. I’m happy to fix that up after a win.”

Splitting up minutes to the squad:

“As part of the changes that have been taking place at the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department both the players who don’t play on Saturday play in practice matches midweek both against internal and external clubs. It’s very important for us that all of the players get playing minutes and experience. There are players who are making their debut and you can’t say that they aren’t fit as we are getting good results from them.”

About the next match Kiryat Shemona:

“We want to continue on this roll, but we have a tough opponent coming up. We’ll head up there and we’ll prepare well with the goal of coming back home with a win.”

Maccabi “Shachar” wins 1:0

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Prematch
Matchday 14 of the Youth Ligat Ha’Al featured Maccabi “Shachar” taking on Maccabi “David Asis” Petach Tikva at the Ramle Stadium. Last week the Yellow & Blue defeated Ramat HaSharon 2:0 and looked to continue their win streak as they faced the second place side who were just three points ahead of Maccabi prior to the contest.

מכבי ת”א ‘שחר’ – מכבי פ”ת 0:1

Coaching Petach Tikva was the Yellow & Blue’s former boss Ori Uzan while Dor Galili who was loaned to the visitors last campaign was back with Maccabi making the game even more interesting.

First Half
Maccabi opened up the match well and controlled the tempo right from the get go. In the 18th minute the young Yellow & Blue had their first chance of the contest as Dor Galili gave Eylon Almog a beauty of a ball but Adir Rafael was able to keep it out of the goal as the contest remained 0:0.

Ten minutes later, Maccabi “Shachar” scored to take a 1:0 lead thanks to Galili. Amit Rosenboim handed the ball off to Galili who had his back to the goal, turned and fired a rocket into the goal from a rough angle to give the Yellow & Blue the advantage.

In the 33rd minute, Tomer Benbenishti picked up his second yellow card of the match after a brutal tackle on Fadi Najar and was handed a red card for his efforts. Following the ejection, Eylon Almog and Ron Zamir each had chances to increase the lead but the visiting keeper made a pair of big saves to keep the score at 1:0 going into the break.

Second Half
The away side made a couple of substitutions at halftime while Guy Tzarfati came into the second half with the same Starting XI that opened the game. While Maccabi continued to control the match they didn’t have many dangerous chances to add an insurance marker.

Tzarfati tried to get his guys going by inserting Eden Kartzev, Guy Shetach and Netanel Peretz into the game The young Yellow & Blue has an 80th minute opportunity when Or Dasa crossed a ball to Almog, but his header was off the mark as Maccabi “Shachar” won their second straight contest as they now prepare to travel up to Kiryat Shemona next week.

Under-19 Starlet: Get to know Amit Rosenboim

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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.”

Maccabi “Shachar” defeats Ramat HaSharon 2:0

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Prematch

Matchday 13 of the Youth Ligat Ha’Al pitted Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv against Ironi Ramat HaSharon at Grundman Stadium. Following a goalless draw last week against Netanya, the Yellow & Blue looked to get back on the winning track versus the Sharon club. Maccabi keeper Omer Kats was with Ramat HaSharon last season as he helped the club move up a league along with Guy Shetach who began the contest on the bench.

First Half

The hosts started the game off well as they threatened the Yellow & Blue goal early on, but Amit Rosenboim was able to clear the ball to safety thanks in part to the crossbar. In the 15th minute Kats suffered a hand injury and was forced to leave the game as Hen Ozeri took his place in goal. Ramat HaSharon had another chance to take the lead but hit the post.

As the match hit the 33rd minute, Maccabi “Shachar” took the lead thanks to a corner kick that found Prince Thomas in the box who scored from in close. Thomas was then booked for removing his jersey following the goal but would continue to feature prominently for the Yellow & Blue as he left Or Dasa a beauty of a ball but the keeper made the save to keep the score as is heading into the break.

Second Half

Maccabi looked for an insurance goal at the start of the second half and found one just three minutes in. Rosenboim stole the ball and sent it to Ron Zamir who then found Dor Galili as the striker made no mistake to give the visitors a 2:0 advantage.

Tomer Altman was introduced in the 60th minute for goal scorer Prince Thomas as the rain continued to get stronger forcing the referee to stop the match at the 75th minute.

Maccabi “Shachar” will now prepare for next week’s league match against Maccabi Petach Tikva at the Ramle Stadium.

Maccabi “Shachar” & Netanya end in a goalless draw

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Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv hosted Maccabi Netanya at the Ramle Stadium on Matchday 12 of the Youth Ligat Ha’Al. Guy Tzarfati’s side looked to keep up the positive momentum from last week’s win over Hapoel Haifa thanks to a 90th minute goal by Mahmoud Awesat.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv started three players up front in Eylon Almog, Dor Galili and Guy Shetach as Amit Rosenboim wore the captain’s armband since Tomer Altman was unavailable.

Plenty of yellow cards were shown to both clubs as the sides had trouble finding any type of rhythm in their play. Eden Kartzev picked up his second yellow card of the contest just two minutes from time and was sent off as the teams split the points.

Maccabi “Shachar” defeats Hapoel Haifa 1:0 on late goal

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Prematch
After a disappointing 1:0 loss to Maccabi “Shmuel” Haifa last Matchday, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv headed north to face Hapoel “Robi” Haifa. Guy Tzarfati made a number of changes to his Starting XI as Guy Shetach and Eden Kartzev featured for this match.

Match Summary
The game began at 18:30 and the late start didn’t help both teams as few chances were to be had early on as the first half ended goalless. Tzarfati made a few substitutions in the second half including the insertion of Or Dasa for Eylon Almog who took advantage of a Haifa defensive error and passed the ball to Mahmoud Awesat who had just come on late in the contest. The striker sent the ball into the Reds goal in the 90th minute to help the Under-19 side to the three points and the victory in dramatic fashion.

Haifa defeats Maccabi “Shachar” 1:0

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Prematch
Matchday 10 of the Youth Premier League featured Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv hosting Maccabi “Shmuel” Haifa at the Ramle Stadium. The young Yellow & Blue entered the match after drawing with Hapoel Beer Sheva last week and looked to cut the 7-point gap to the top of the table between the two sides.

First Half
Mohamed Awad had the first chance of the match for the visitors but his effort just went by the post. However, it wouldn’t take long for them to find the back of the goal which they did in the 15th minute via Guy Dahan to give the Greens a 1:0 lead. Dor Galili tried to level the score as he took a fantastic ball in the box but his opportunity was easily collected by the Haifa keeper.

The Yellow & Blue pressed for the equalizer near the end of the first half but Or Dasa’s header of a Galili cross missed the mark.

Second Half
Both clubs began the second half with the same Starting XI that began the contest, however, eight minutes in, Tzarfati made his first substitution introducing Eden Kartzev in favor of Shay Golan.

Kartzev would try his luck from 30 meters out but his long effort was saved by the Haifa keeper. In the 70th minute, Tomer Altman came out of the match injured and was replaced by Netanel Peretz while Amit Shapiro also entered the game for Or Dasa, but chances were few and far between.

Five minutes to time Guy Shetach and Mahmoud Awesat also were brought on but they couldn’t find the goal and Shapira was shown red for unsportsmanlike conduct as Maccabi dropped a 1:0 decision to the Greens.

Dasa: “We’ve matured as individuals and as a team”

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This Saturday, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv kicks off against Maccabi “Shmuel” Haifa in the Israeli Classico of the Youth Premier League. The Yellow & Blue drew 1:1 with Hapoel Beer Sheva last week at Wassermil Stadium and will look to get back onto the winning track and cut into the Haifa lead atop of the table. One of the important players on Guy Tzarfati’s squad is Or Dasa, the winger who is putting up some fantastic numbers this current campaign with five goals and five assists.

Dasa explained how he has improved and why: “This is my second season with the Under-19 team so I am gaining experience which is helping me improve. Guy Tzarfati has a lot of confidence in me and is giving me more liberty on the attack which is resulting in some good statistics. There’s no question that in the second year there is more pressure to perform and this is being seen on the pitch in match action. You are making plays quicker and you are thinking less about what others are going to say about you.”

On his topsy-turvy start and improvement:
“The club changed head coaches at the beginning of the season, replacing Ori Uzan with Guy Tzarfati and it took some time to get used to. Now we are starting to collect points and giving up fewer goals. We went backwards a bit at Beer Sheva but I believe that we will be back on track against Haifa. If we can defeat them, then we will narrow the gap against a number of teams and the league will be that much closer and more attractive.”

Maturing as a group:

“Last season the majority of the players were in their first campaign with the squad. Today we are more mature and we have a lot of National Team players. I believe that the experience that we have gained will be a tremendous help this season. We’ve matured as individuals and as a team this season.”

About his brother Eli Dasa who he was able to train with on they First Team:
“It was a bit strange but it was a lot of fun. It’s normal for me to see him play and want to reach his heights and then all of a sudden I am training right beside him. I played with him on the same team in a training session and he assisted on my goal. I hope that one day this will also be the case in real games. I want to make it to the places that he has made it to.”

Desire to see more Yellow & Blue fans in the stands:

“It’s not as much fun that fewer fans come to Ramle and I hope that against Haifa they will be there to support us and be the 12th player on the pitch.”