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.

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.

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.”

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” 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.

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.

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.”

Prematch
After a lengthy break, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv was back in Youth League action as they faced off against Hapoel Beer Sheva. Guy Tzarfati stayed with the same Starting XI from the last young Yellow & Blue contest as they looked to collect three points and move closer to the top of the table.

First Half
Maccabi “Shachar” didn’t get off to the start that they wanted as they gave up an early goal in the 4th minute when they lost the ball leading to a devastating counter attack as Matan Cohen scored to give the hosts a quick 1:0 lead. Tzarfati’s side almost found the equalizer just a few minutes later thanks to Ron Zamir but his chance was blocked by the Beer Sheva keeper.

After 30 minutes, the Under-19’s made their first substitution as Eden Kartzev was introduced in favor of Ran Vaturi and five minutes later they tied up the game on a beauty of a goal. Ron Zamir cut into the box and scored from in close to draw Maccabi “Shachar” even at Wassermil as the score remained as is into the break.

Second Half
Both sides stayed with the same lineups heading in to half number two but soon thereafter Tzarfati brought on Dor Galili and Guy Shetach to try and find a go ahead goal. Netanel Peretz and Shay Golan were also introduced into the fray but the Yellow & Blue were stymied by the Beer Sheva defense and the clubs each picked up one point a piece.

A few hours before the First Team will take on Hapoel Asheklon at the Netanya Stadium, the Under-19 side will get back to action after a break for pitch winterization throughout they Youth Ligat Ha’Al as they will head down to play Hapoel Beer Sheva at Wassermil Stadium at 12:00. The young Yellow & Blue have won three games in a row and want to pick up where they left off.

After a stuttering start to the season, Maccabi “Shachar” find themselves in fourth place and in good form. One of the terrific stats for the side is that they have given up the least goals in the league so far this campaign, allowing only four goals over 8 Matchdays. One of the responsible parties is 18-year old shot stopper Omer Kats who is a familiar face at Kiryat Shalom. Kats spent six seasons at the Club’s Youth Department and following a season away on loan at Ramat HaSharon, has now returned to the services of the Yellow & Blue replacing Haviv Ohayon.

“I know Haviv and he is a great keeper. Maccabi is my home and it wasn’t strange for me to come back to the Club as I know plenty of the players from prior years. I also wasn’t worried to return because I am confident in my abilities. I was in touch with our keeper coach Chen Abdu even when I was on loan as he is like a father for me. I’ve received good feedback from the coaches and my teammates from the beginning of the season and I work with Chen on the parts of my game that needs improvement. I know what my abilities are and what I need to do to help the Club.”

About his loan spell at Ramat HaSharon:

“It was a big change for me and honestly it was vey hard for me to do, but at the end of the day it was an amazing experience and one that was very eye-opening. I was part of the First Team squad for 8 matches plus I was with the Youth Club and we were promoted at the end of the season. It’s very different than Maccabi but it was a lot of fun and I toughened up as well.”

Coming back after a long break and having a tough match right away:

“We prepared very well during the break with a lot of practice matches and training sessions against the First Teams of Hapoel Ramat Gan and Beitar Tel Aviv/Ramle which were both at a very high level. We are about to have a run of some pretty difficult games coming up against some tough teams, but I believe you’ll really get to see what we are made of. This Saturday you’ll see that we are ready to go against Hapoel Beer Sheva.”

They say that keepers need to be a bit “crazy”, but you look like someone who breaks that stigma:

“I agree with that. Today, keepers need to really use their head and not just rely on their physical abilities. To just be a “crazy” keeper is just not enough to succeed today.”

Looking ahead to the future:

“I really want to continue my progress and make it to the First Team at Maccabi. I had a chance to train with them and had the privilege to work with Shura, from whom I learnt a lot. Just being able to train with players at the highest level in the country is something totally different. Last season I had the opportunity to practice with Ramat HaSharon’s senior side and you can really feel the differences.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv picked up their third win in a row when they defeated Ashdod 3:0. Guy Tzarfati, the club’s Head Coach looked back at the match and also talked about the current wining streak: “The team is continuing to improve. They understand what they need to do and they also know what is expected of them. If they continue this way they will be able to make the next jump.”

On the last few matches:

“There are some common denominators that we can see over the past few games; we didn’t give up any goals and we played well defensively. We had plenty of opportunities and some were similar situations that we had seen in training. It’s still not what I am expecting but we are continuing to improve slowly but surely.”

How he chooses the Starting XI:

“I believe that at the end of the day the players have to take advantage of the opportunities that they are given. Those who do, will be the ones that will be on the pitch. It’s fairly simple, the players must meet expectations.”

Next match against Hapoel Beer Sheva:

“To me, it doesn’t matter who we are playing against as we won’t make any changes as to how we play and it’s clear what system we use both home or away. It will certainly be a bit tougher against Beer Sheva and I told the team that their game play today wasn’t good enough. I really hope that next match things will look a better.”

About having four players who trained with the First Team last week:

“Going to train with the First Team is a credit to our academy. I’m all for the players having the opportunity to train with them because the First Team is most important.”