Itay Shechter, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s new striker who came on board the Yellow & Blue this past summer discusses a myriad of topics with the Official Website from his desire to succeed at Kiryat Shalom to his great love for the game of football:

“It’s true I had offers from other clubs, but from the moment I knew I had the option to come to Maccabi Tel Aviv after many seasons, I felt that this was the right time. We have a big squad and it will be a challenge for me, but people that know me are aware that I enjoy a challenge. I’m happy with my decision to sign with Maccabi and I’ll do everything I can for the fans to cheer me on. There are a lot of emotions in football and I may have erred in some of the things that were in the past, but from the minute I arrived, I knew I was going to give my all to the Club.”

Goals ahead:
“Everyone wants to do the maximum in their career, whether it’s another championship or a State Cup or two. And that’s why I came here and that’s what Maccabi Tel Aviv expects us all to do, win these big titles. After being eliminated from Europe, this gives us even more strength and more drive to give 100% to reach our goals which is to bring the League championship back to Maccabi Tel Aviv.” 

Giving it all in League play:
“There are some very difficult and unpleasant moments in football and we got hit with that when we played a stronger Norwegian side. Maccabi had been in Europe for the past 3 seasons and I haven’t been for a while, so I really wanted to have the opportunity to play continental football. But you have to know how to deal with certain things in football. Maccabi Tel Aviv is a very strong Club and we have to put this aside and look ahead and give it our all in league play. It’s a long season.”

Having fun:
“I’m a player that likes to talk and be a part of the action in the dressing room as I’ve done my entire career. I’m there when anyone needs me and I try to do my best to balance it out. I can laugh and have a good time in the dressing room, but be very serious on the training pitch. That’s me.”

Football is my entire existence:
“I’m in love with football. It’s part of me and my oldest child is already a part of it. Sometimes people want to talk to me about the day after my football career and they want to explain to me what will be, but it just brings tears to my eyes. I don’t want to think about it. Football is my entire existence. From when I was a child, I’ve been like this and I can’t see myself every leaving the football world even after I retire. I don’t know what I would do. Even if I’m earning less, this is my life. That’s why every morning when I pray and put on Tefillin I say to God, ‘Thank you for allowing me to do what I love.’ All I want to do is play football even if I’m earning 10%. I want to thank God for this opportunity and that’s why I love this profession. Without football, life would be far less interesting.” 

The importance of the professional staff:
“I hope that we can continue to be a strong, happy and dynamic team as we’ve been so far. It’s clear that we have to continue to improve, but so far we are looking good and we are working hard in our training sessions. We have a great professional staff including two terrific fitness coaches in Darko Obradovic and Yossi Zigdon who work with us. We also have a fantastic medical staff who we have to acknowledge because sometimes people forget and don’t think about them. Even when there aren’t sessions they take care of the players and make sure they are healthy.”

The keys to success:
“One thing that’s important for a football club is to respect your opponent and that’s something you always have to be aware of. Sometimes at a big club you feel a bit conceited and that’s not good because you may be punished for that. In football, we have to be one of the top clubs in the world and if a club like Maccabi knows how to have that modesty, then we will be able to reach the highest of heights. If we will be hungry, strong and modest then I don’t see how anyone can stop us.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC and Belgian side K.A.A. Gent reached an agreement for the sale of Ofir Davidzada who signed a 4 year-deal at the club with an option to extend the contract by one year.

The 27 year-old left-back returns to Maccabi having spent last season on loan at Kiryat Shalom during which he scored 4 goals in 21 appearances.

Davidzada told the club’s official website: “I’m excited to return to Maccabi Tel Aviv and this time for the long term. I want to continue the good season I had here and help the Club reach the goals which it has set. After not winning the league championship last season, I’ll do everything I can to help the Club win every available title this campaign. The squad looks very healthy with many young players and I’ll do everything I can on the pitch in order for us to reach our goals.”

Maccabi CEO, Ben Mansford, added: “In one of my earlier conversations with Mitch he explained to me how being part of Maccabi is to be part of something much bigger than any individual. It was clear that Ofir realized just what it meant to be Maccabi and was adamant he wanted to remain part of our family. We have therefore worked hard all summer to achieve this and with Mitch’s support we are able to welcome Ofir back to Maccabi today”.

Just before Rosh Hashana, 5 Maccabi Tel Aviv players took time out to do some good deeds ahead of the holiday. Avi Rikan, Eliran Atar, Aaron Schoenfeld, Maor Kandil and Shahar Piven visited the Schneider Medical Center in Petah Tikva together with the Head of the Foundation, Josh Halickman.

The players visited many of the departments throughout the children’s hospital, spoke with the youngsters, took pictures with them and handed out t-shirts. In addition, the stars also spent time with the parents, giving them inspiration during their challenging times.

“I can tell you that when we see the smiles on the children’s faces we in turn have a big smile as well. When I come home I tell my wife about the emotional visits and it gives us a lot of strength and inspiration.”

Continuing to learn and improve:
“The new professional staff and the players are here for a few months already and we are continuing to learn their methodology, we are improving and I’m sure we will see that from match to match.”

Goals for the new season:
“The most important thing for the players is to be healthy. Maccabi Tel Aviv always wants us to be fit, in the best shape and to win matches. We are a club that always wants to reach the highest of heights. It’s a new year and it gives us all new energy and a great atmosphere around the club.”

The contest at Hapoel Beer Sheva:
“The match ended in a 1:1 draw and we didn’t leave with the 3 points, but it’s a long season and we all have where to improve. As time goes by we will get better and better.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv host Hapoel Raanana on Saturday September 15th (18:00), Matchday 3 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika. Tickets are on sale now via the Leaan Website, the Leaan Ticket Office located at 42 Frishman Street, Tel Aviv and via Telephone *8780.

You may purchase tickets on the Leaan Website by using the User ID and password. If you do know one or both of those details please send an email to support@leaan.co.il.

Home printing is available
Please note: Entrance to the parking lots around the stadium are with 2018/19 permits only. There are still and few permits left and can be purchased for the remainder of the season.

Ticket Prices
Leaan Ticket Office
Youth/Soldier/Women – (Sections 101-102, 108-109, 208-209 only) – 50 NIS
Lower East Stand – 100 NIS
West Stand – 100 NIS
E+ – 220 NIS
Silver Section – 350 NIS

Phone/Leaan Website
Youth/Soldier/Women – (Sections 101-102, 108-109, 208-209 only) – 55 NIS
Lower East Stand – 105 NIS
West Stand – 105 NIS
E+ – 225 NIS
Silver Section – 355 NIS

Youth/Soldier/Women tickets are available for purchase by telephone only after identification.

Ticket Collection
Tickets may be collected at the Leaan Ticket Office located at 42 Frishman Street, Tel Aviv between Sunday-Thursday 09:00-19:00, Friday 09:00-13:30.
Tickets may be collected on Matchday at the Stadium ticket windows beginning 3 hours prior to the match until 45 minutes after the start of the match.