Category: News

Atzili Voted the Factory 54 Man of the Match

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Omer Atzili scored a brace in the 4:1 win over Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 17 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika and received 90% of your votes for your Man of the Match. One of you will win a BOSS Shirt.

Dor Micha who scored in the 45′ came in second while Eliran Atar who assisted on the first goal came in third place.

Atzili spoke about receiving the honor:
“I want to thank the fans for winning the Man of the Match award and it’s great that won the match and I was able to help out. The most important thing is that we keep winning.”

Quick goal to start the match:
“It was a pretty quick goal and I don’t believe that we had such a fast goal this season. Hopefully there will be more just like that one.”

Putting the foot on the gas:
“We had a bit of a tough time in the first half and you could see that on the pitch. But we picked up the pace in the second half, showed our quality and put the foot on the gas and hopefully this will continue going forward.”

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Stats & Facts ahead of the match

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The upcoming match will be the 137th league contest against Maccabi Netanya. The record over the last 136 games: 66 Maccabi wins, 35 draws, 35 Netanya victories. Goal differential: 216:144 in favor of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

In fact, Netanya is the opponent that Maccabi has the most wins against in league play – 66. Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Petah Tikva are tied for second place on Maccabi’s list of all-time victories with 63 wins against each side.

There have been 666,600 spectators for an average of 9,500 per match who have attended the 70 home contests against Netanya (One match was not played and Maccabi earned a technical win).

The biggest win: 7:1 in 1949/50. Yossef Merimovich and Shmuel Israeli each scored a hat trick in the match.

The upcoming match will be Maccabi’s first in 2019 and will also be the 6th time that the Yellow & Blue will face Maccabi Netanya to begin the calendar year (1955, 1968, 1991, 2004, 2007). Maccabi’s record? 5 wins.

Despite this their fine record against Netanya, Maccabi has had a bit of trouble in the first match of the calendar year so far this decade. In the 8 games played to date Maccabi has a record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses.

Over the years there have been 51 players who have appeared for both clubs. On the current squad Aron Schoenfeld, Itay Shechter and Dan Glazer have played for each side.

The goal scoring leader against Netanya is Benny Tabak with 11 goals. Avi Nimni and Sheya Glazer are in tied for 2nd place with 9 goals each.

Maccabi players have scored 5 hat-tricks against Netanya. Avi Nimni in 2002/03 is the only player to do so in the 2000’s.

Just 12 matches have ended in a 0:0 draw of 136 – 9%. Of the clubs Maccabi have faced in the past decade (at least 15 matches), Netanya is the only one who Maccabi has not had a goalless draw against. The last time the two sides played to a 0:0 draw was in 2007/08.

Ivic: “I expect a tough game against a good opponent”

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Vladimir Ivic, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach addressed the media ahead of Monday night’s (21:00) Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika contest against Maccabi Netanya:

“I expect a tough game against a good team who play attacking style football. We need to be 100% focused to achieve the 3 points.”

Relationship with Slobodan Drapic:
“We played one time in the first round. We spoke a lot of times but now in the last week we haven’t spoken and I wish him all the best. I wish Slovo the best for our (Serbian) Christmas.”

Eyal Golasa’s status:
“Golasa started to train with the team before the Haifa match. He feels the problems in his leg. He works hard and we hope he will be with us soon. Our medical staff is giving him the best help he needs. He was one of our best players and we hope to have him back.”

Position on the table:
“It’s our job to watch the table, but our target is game by game just for the next opponent. This is the way we want to work. Every game can get 3 points, 1 points, or zero.”

Status of Uros Nikolic:
“Nikolic is with us 15-20 days he is working. He is in the right direction to be ready in one of the next games. Like every new player he needs time to adapt and to learn the way the team plays. It’s our decision when to use him.”

Transfer window:
“We have our vision. If we find something (a player) interesting for us we will make some movement.”

About Eli Dasa:
“He is a quality player, he plays for the national team and we want him to stay but it is the player’s decision. It’s totally normal that Dasa has an offer as he plays in the best team in Israel. Dasa is our player until the end of the season we hope he will stay with us. Kandil is doing his job good and created competition.”

Matan Hozez:
“A lot of teams want Hozez because he is a good quality player. We have 5-6-7 players in his position so there is competition. We want the best for our players and we will decide what will happen with him and some other players in the upcoming days.”

Yellow & Blue Midfielder Dor Peretz also spoke at the press conference:
“We prepare as always. We worked hard over the last 8 days and we will give it our best. Netanya is a good opponent and we will come prepared.”

More on Netanya:
“They have good players and play good team football. We are focused on this season. I think everyone always wants to beat Maccabi. We focus on ourselves and right now I’m only focusing on Maccabi and nothing more than that.”

Final words:
“I want to keep scoring if the gameplay allows me to. We know the importance of tomorrow’s game.”

Eliran Atar voted HISENSE December Player of the Month

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Maccabi FIRST members voted Eliran Atar as the HISENSE December Player of the month. The striker was integral to the Yellow & Blue’s success throughout the month and took the top spot after a close battle with Maor Kandil who finished in second and Dor Peretz who came in third.

Did you vote for Atar? Now’s the part that you’re all waiting for!

Today (Sunday January 6th) at 17:00 Israel Time you’ll receive an SMS with a trivia question. Whoever answers the question first correctly will win a HISENSE 32” TV. Don’t miss out!

FILA to become Maccabi’s new Official Kit supplier from 2019/20

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Maccabi Tel Aviv FC and leading Italian heritage sportswear brand FILA have agreed a three year-deal, which will see FILA supply the Club’s official kit, training and leisure wear with effect from the 2019/20 season.

חברת FILA תהיה המלבישה הרשמית של מכבי

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC recently made the innovative step and manufactured its’ own branded kit and training wear. This successful move allowed the Club to plan its next evolution with higher standards and professionalism. After extensive negotiations with many interested parties, the Club felt FILA was the right Partner to continue its retail progression.

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC and FILA will collaborate to create exclusive designs that will thrill fans. FILA, is moving from strength to strength both on the sports field and in the high street leisure market. The Club feel such a leading brand epitomized its own demand for excellence.

The sportswear brand recently began collaborating with major international brands and teamed-up high-end Italian fashion house FENDI for a one of a kind sports collection that set new records and transformed FILA into the hottest thing in sports fashion.

Maccabi CEO, Ben Mansford, said: “We set the standards high at Maccabi and especially those that we expect from our Partners. We were immediately impressed with the dynamic and vision that FILA wanted to bring to a partnership with us. I am truly excited about the association between these two prestigious organizations. I believe both the Players and the Supporters will enjoy the kit designs and product ranges. We look forward to working with the team at FILA over the next 3 seasons.”

Yossi Irani CEO for FILA Israel, added: “As the hottest trendiest leading sports and fashion brand, the decision to team-up with Maccabi Tel Aviv was the easiest I made in recent weeks. We understand that the innovative, leading and most supported club amongst football fans in Israel, is the best platform for us to extend our reach and expansion of the brand and break new barriers in Israel”.

FILA was founded in 1911 in Italy and in 1970 entered the production of sport fashions. Since then, the brand and its iconic square logo is established in the world of professional sports. FILA’s unmistakable quality and style has achieved world-class recognition and received glowing endorsement from professional athletes all around the world. The identification of the brand with the world of sports has led to FILA becoming highly popular in the casual wear sector.

Today, a new generation is discovering FILA.  Almost 50 years after its first foray into sports, FILA has reemerged as one of the most popular fashion and sportswear brands in the world, as many trends which starred in the past are enjoying a new lifeline.

Maccabi “Shachar” falls to Beitar Jerusalem 3:0

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The Under-19 faced Beitar Jerusalem on Matchday 15 of the Israel Youth Premier League which marked the last game in the first round. Maccabi “Shachar” entered the contest in second place two points off the top of the table leaders Maccabi Petah Tikva while Beitar began the day in 9th, winless in their last 7 matches.

Starting XI: Or Itzhak, Alon Shtrozberg, Tamir Glezer, Dan Lugassi, Tomer Mahluf, Nadav Nidam, Mufleh Shalata, Ido Shahar, Eduardo Guerrero, Bar Cohen and Eyal Hen.

First Half
Abiel Zargari had the first chance of the match for Beitar but his shot went over the bar while in the 9’ Jerusalem’s Eden Azuri had a one on one attempt on Itzhak, but the keeper parried the ball away. 3 minutes later Shalata had Maccabi’s opening opportunity but his chance in the box went off a defender and in the 16’ Lugassi sent Hen the ball on the left side who passed it to Guerrero but his attempt went out.

In the 21’ the Yellow & Blue almost took the lead when Mahluf sent a cross in the box but Shalata’s header was blocked by Beitar keeper Roie Shoshan while Nidam’s rebound attempt went over the bar. 9 minutes later Hen’s chance at the top of the box was saved again by Shoshan. In the 31’ Guerrero’s shot went out and Bar Cohen’s cross to the aforementioned Guerrero was headed into the keeper’s hands as the sides went onto the break goalless.

Second Half
Beitar was given a penalty kick in the 62’ when Hen pulled a player down in the box which Jerusalem converted via Azuri for a 1:0 lead. Six minutes later Glezer tried his luck from long distance but his shot went out and a minute later substitute Tal Yagudaev’s chance also missed the target. In the 77’ Omer Itzhaki sent Guerrero a ball but Shoshan again made the save.

In the 79’ Yagudaev’s header off a free kick hit the bar and Beitar went downfield and doubled their lead as Roie Fadida sent the ball to Uziel Predo who beat Itzhak from in close, 2:0 Jerusalem. Shahar’s 87’ chance just missed the goal and two minutes later Beitar added a third goal when Predo put home the ball in the box for a 3:0 lead. Immediately after the goal Itzhaki was given a red card for harsh words to the referee as the match came to a disappointing end.

Youth Academy action for Saturday January 5, 2018

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Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Beitar Jerusalem, 12:00 (U19)
The Under-19 squad host’s Beitar Jerusalem on Matchday 15 of Israel Youth League action to end the first round of matches. The young Yellow & Blue are in second place and are just two points off of table leaders Maccabi Petah Tikva. The capital city side are in 9th place and are winless in their last 7 contests.

Bnei Yehuda – Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv, 14:00 Tikva Neighborhood (U17)
Following a 6:2 win over Maccabi Haifa, the Under-17 side is back in action as they visit Bnei Yehuda to open the second round of games. Maccabi “Oded” are in first place with a 12 point lead while the host’s are in 9th place with 4 wins in their last five matches.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv – Maccabi Haifa, 10:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U16)
The Under-16 squad enters the contest after winning last week’s match 15:0. The Yellow & Blue are undefeated in ten straight games and find themselves in 4th place just 6 points of the top of the table. Haifa are in 2nd and are two points ahead of Eran Sassi’s charges.

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Ashkelon, 8:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U15)
The Under-15 team host’s Ashkelon on Matchday 14 and are undefeated as they begin the day in 2nd place while the visitor’s are in second to last place with a lone victory.

Maccabi Foundation hosts Ofek Shina at Club’s training session

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Although he is suffering from a serous illness, 11-year old Ofek Shina hasn’t given up his dream of playing football. Ofek plays goalkeeper near his home in Kfar Yona and hasn’t given up on his dream despite battling a bone marrow disease that has stunted his growth due to a lack of phosphorus in his body. Yesterday, Ofek who is an avid Maccabi supporter and a season ticket holder was hosted at the PenguinPickUp Training Ground at Kiryat Shalom together with his family and Maccabi Tel Aviv Foundation Manager Yuval Shaham.


As part of the visit, Ofek was able to watch the training sessions and meet the players including Prddrah Rajkovic who gave him his shirt and keeper gloves. Following the session, Ofek spoke about the experience: “My dream is to one day play for Maccabi Tel Aviv and replace Rajkovic.”

Shaham added: “We are very proud and happy to host Ofek at the team’s training session and help straighten him. Ofek is a very special boy, and his desire to be the best that he can be despite his limitations give all of us inspiration. Ofek is a true Maccabist.”

Over the past six months, Ofek has been treated with a special drug which today becomes an officially licensed medication which is strengthening his bones and allowing him to continue his football career.