Just over a week to the end of the International break as Kenny Miller’s league leaders continued their preparations for the domestic season to resume by playing a practice match against Hapoel Jerusalem.

 

Maccabi that beat the Jerusalem side 5-2 away on the opening day of the 2025/26 season, and has since continued to win all five matches hosted
Lior Zada’s at Kiryat Shalom on Friday.
Just like the match in Rehovot, Jerusalem took an early lead through Andrew Idoko who beat Roy Mishpati from close range.
In the 27th minute James Tavernier, who scored against Maccabi Netanya before the international break, curled in a free kick from outside the box to level the score.
Maccabi completed the comeback just before the break as Tavernier’s cross found Jehezkel who headed in the second.
Three minutes after the hour mark, Osher Davida fed down Ido Shahar whose shot struck the arm of a defender. Ester Sokler stepped up and successfully converted the spot kick to seal the victory at 3-1.

Maccabi Tel Aviv: Roy Mishpati, James Tavernier (Noam Ya’akov 74), Tyrese Asante, Itay Ben Hamo, Sagiv Jehezkel (Itay Kerem 74), Dan Glazer, Itamar Noy (Issouf Sissokho 74), Ido Shahar, Osher Davida (On Yona 74), Hisham Layous (Shahar Rosen 46), Ester Sokler (Roy Gafni 74).

Maccabi Tel Aviv extended their 100% record in the league with a solid performance beating Maccabi 2-1 on MD5 to go into the international break with 15 points. Maccabi’s Head Coach Kenny Miller who was forced to deal with an injury of Ali Camara in the warm-up and then lost Helio Varela to another injury 15 minutes into the game, praised the character and commitment shown by his players.

“These are another three very important points for us,” Miller said: “We played an excellent first half. If you look at the numbers from that half, we had complete control of the game. Of course, we had a few obstacles along the way with the injuries to Camara and Varela, who had to go off early, but we played very well. We knew Netanya were a good team who would come out and press more in the second half, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Miller praised his players’ determination in the second half: “Even when we don’t play our best football in the second half, wins like this are perhaps the most satisfying. You see character, determination and a lot of togetherness to protect the goal and put your bodies on the line. To be a team that is fighting for the championship, you have to know how to win games in different ways over the course of a season. We can’t score three or four goals every week. Sometimes you have to know how to battle and protect your lead, and I think we did that tonight.”

On how the players defended the narrow lead in the second half, Miller added: “You saw, for example, Elad Madmon at the end of the game, fighting and putting his body on the line to defend and help the team. We still had chances to score another goal if we had been a little more accurate in the box, but that fighting spirit is what brought us three big points.”

On the performance of Gabi Kanichowsky who seemed like he never left Maccabi and spent a season in Hungary, Miller paid compliments to the 29-year-old midfielder: “That’s exactly why we wanted to bring him back to Maccabi Tel Aviv. We knew what a wonderful player he is and what kind of impact he could have on the team. He made that impact immediately, and it feels like he never left. Gabi brings something different with him, he connects the midfield and helps the team with that connection. I’m very happy with the way he has performed and contributed in his first three games since returning.”

Gabi Kanichowsky said after the match: “You can’t play brilliantly in every game, and the most important thing is the three points. We weren’t as good on the ball, but ultimately you have to know how to get the points. In the second half, the energy wasn’t really there. We pressed and won second balls, but we just weren’t sharp enough in possession. We came out for the second half and conceded an early goal, which was exactly what we didn’t want. We kept pressing and brought the energy; we didn’t play that well, but the three points are what matter.”

Kanichowsky, who returned to Maccabi after a season with Ferencvaros and has previously won five trophies at the club, added: “The season is still long, and we really need to stay focused, keep improving and get better. Things are looking good at the moment, but we can’t afford to become complacent. It’s difficult for me to talk about myself, but when they called me and told me they wanted me, first of all, there’s no bigger compliment in the world than a club like Maccabi Tel Aviv still wanting you, that’s not something you take for granted. When they spoke to me, I told them that my goal is to succeed at the highest levels, go far with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and represent the country and the club in European competitions.”

Preview:
Maccabi returned to the Miriam stadium in Netanya for the MD5 WINNER League match against Maccabi Netanya with a 100% record from the first four matches. A month after beating Netanya 1-0 in a Toto Cup Semi Final, Maccabi will face Ronny Levy’s side that is currently 8th in the table with 5 points.

After yet another emphatic victory in the Tel Aviv derby (4-1) Miller made no changes to his starting line-up. Ofek Melika kept his place in goal behind an unchanged defense. James Tavernier, Ali Camara, Raz Shlomo and Noam Ben Harosh were all named as Maccabi’s back-four. But shortly before kickoff Miller was forced to make a change as Camara limped out of the warm-up and was replaced in the starting line up by Tyrese Asante. Maccabi’s midfield which looked so impressive also remained intact as Issouf Sissokho, Gabi Kanichowsky and Dor Peretz were all named in the engine room. Helio Varela and Osher Davida were assigned to the wings while Ester Sokler led the line.

On the bench alongside goalkeeper Roi Mishpati, Miller welcomed Sagiv Jehezkel back into the squad after recovering from a long-term injury. Dan Glazer, Elad Madmon, Itamar Noy, Hisham Layous, Ido Shahar, Itai Ben Hamo and Ilay Ben Simon completed the list of players on the bench.

First half:

The Netanya stadium was full to its’ capacity with the East stand filled with Maccabi fans in Yellow and Blue while the West stand with home fans in Yellow and Black. Eight minutes after referee Aviv Klein got the match underway, Maccabi came close to open the score as Gabi Kanichowsky slipped the ball into the path of Noam Ben Harosh who beat his man but fired his shot over the crossbar.

In the 19th minute Miller was forced to make another change as Helio Varela limped off with a groin injury and was replaced by Ido Shahar. Five minutes after the half hour mark Maccabi were given a glorious chance to score after Benny Feldman slipped deep inside Netanya’s half. Ester Sokler pounced on the loose ball and raced clear through but with only Netanya’s keeper Samu to beat. But the Slovenian striker saw his effort saved by the Portuguese keeper who charged off his goal-line.

Deep inside injury time Maccabi were awarded a corner and after Netanya’s defense failed to clear the danger, the ball was judged to have struck the arm of a defender. Klein didn’t hesitate as he awarded a penalty before Dor Peretz stepped up and successfully drilled the penalty to score his 8th league goal and 12th in all competitions which sent Maccabi to halftime with a 1-0 lead.

Second half:

Miller made no changes after the break while his Netanya counterpart Ronny Levy introduced Isaac Rodriguez for Maor Levy at the restart. The introduction of the Brazilian winger revived the hosts as he picked the ball deep inside his own half before skipping past an Osher Davida challenge. Rodriguez then fed Bassam Zarora who burst forward and released Oz Bilu into the box. Bilu then gave Ofek Melika no chance as his clinical finish saw the ball roll into the corner to level the score. Netanya managed to get the ball in Melika’s net within two minutes as Matheus Davo stripped Tyrese Asante of the ball and released Zarora who swept his shot past Melika. But the referee assistant raised his flag for offside to deny Netanya’s quick comeback.

Davo came close two minutes after the hour mark as he rose high to meet Bilu’s cross but failed to keep his header down. Miller reacted with a minute later with a double substitution as he replaced Sokler and Osher Davida with Hisham Layous and Elad Madmon. The duo, who both scored a goal and set up another in the derby came in to try and revive Maccabi’s attacking play which seemed to be broken by Netanya’s efforts. In the 70th minute Madmon tried a right foot effort from outside the box which didn’t trouble Samu too much. A minute later Madmon slipped the ball to Peretz who tried to pull the trigger but was fouled by Bakary Konate. This time round James Tavernier stepped up and after Samu saved his initial spot kick, the veteran English defender blasted in the rebound to restore the lead with his debut Maccabi goal.

Maccabi came close to increase the lead on 76 as Gabi Kanichowsky won a challenge inside Netanya’s half before releasing Madmon who burst forward but was denied once again by Samu.

Kanichowsky blasted a shot high over the crossbar on 82 shortly before Miller made another double change introducing Itamar Noy for Peretz and Sagiv Jehezkel for Shahar. Two minutes later it was Netanya’s substitute Aleksei who blasted his shot over.

As the fourth official raised his sign and indicated five minutes of added time Maccabi conceded a free kick after Layous tripped Eylon Almog but the defence managed to hang on until the final whistle was heard.

 

Maccabi Tel Aviv travel to Netanya on Saturday and face 8th place Maccabi Netanya on MD5, carrying a 100% record and in excellent form following the impressive victories over Hapoel Jerusalem (5-2), Maccabi Haifa (3-1), Hapoel Be’ersheva (3-1) and Hapoel Tel Aviv (4-1). One of the key players behind those recent victories, who showed some commanding displays in midfield, has been Issouf Sissokho.

“It’s not just me. The entire team is playing very well and that helps every player on the pitch, including me,” Sissokho said. “What you’re seeing from me is a reflection of how the team is performing. I try to enjoy every moment in training and in matches because I feel great and have an excellent connection with my teammates. At the end of the day, it’s all about the team. I’m very happy and I believe we can maintain this high level until the end of the season.”

Sissokho who joined Maccabi at the start of the 24/25 season and is 5 appearances short of playing his 100th match and a Yellow and Blue shirt, added: “As I said, my individual form comes from the way the team is playing. Everyone is playing well and that brings results. I’m simply happy to help the team and hope to keep performing at this level.”

On his future at Maccabi, Sissokho said: “Iam here, I have a contract and we’re right at the beginning of the season, so all we’re thinking about at the moment is playing football. If there’s anything to say in the future, we’ll have plenty of time for that. Right now, we’re all focused on continuing to win matches.”

Lotem Asres joins Hapoel Kfar Shalem after an agreement was reached between the two clubs for a season long loan deal of the 19-year-old midfielder.

Asres, scored 20 goals in 58 appearances for Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Shahar’ U19 team over the past two seasons and helped the side win the Youth Championship in the 2025/26 campaign. He made his senior debut during the 3-1 victory away to Maccabi Haifa in April and made his second appearance earlier this season during the Super Cup victory over Hapoel Be’ersheva.   

Asres represented the young Israel national teams at U19, U17 and U16 levels scoring 1 goal in 14 international appearances.

Asres will continue his development at Hapoel Kfar Shalem in the 2026/27 campaign as he embarks on a season of senior top-flight football.

Good luck, Lotem.

After the home and away kits for the 2026/27 season were already unveiled, Maccabi Tel Aviv and PUMA now present the third and fourth kits that will accompany the team throughout the season.

The third kit features a clean white shirt with yellow stripes that bring the club’s familiar colors into the design. The combination of the white base and yellow accents creates a bright, sharp and unmistakably Maccabi look.

The fourth kit takes a different and bolder direction. The grey shirt is decorated with Maccabi logos in various shades, creating a unique pattern and placing the club crest at the heart of the design.

The two new kits join the official matchwear collection for the 2026/27 season and further expand the collaboration between Maccabi and PUMA with two distinctive designs, each expressing the identity of the club in its own way.

The new shirts are now available to purchase at the club stores and through our official online store.

Maccabi continued its perfect start to the 2026/27 League campaign with another emphatic 4-1 victory at Bloomfield stadium this time on Hapoel in the Tel Aviv derby. James Tavernier who recently joined Maccabi after 11 years with Glasgow Rangers where he played in 39 Old Firm derbies, spoke after his first Tel Aviv derby. “The truth is that immediately after the final whistle, I called my wife and told her that the atmosphere in the stadium was simply unbelievable,” Tavernier said shortly after the match. “I’ve experienced plenty of big atmospheres in Europe and at Ibrox as well, but Bloomfield produced an atmosphere unlike anything else, from the moment we went out for the warm-up until the end of the game. It certainly helps when you win, but the fans were amazing.”

On his decision to join Maccabi Tel Aviv, the 34-year-old full-back revealed what went on behind-the-scenes which led to his move: “Kenny Miller played a major role in it. He first called me while I was on a family vacation in America and presented the vision to me; A club that wants to win trophies, with a very passionate fanbase. After 11 years at Rangers, I was looking for a new challenge and wanted a place where I could continue fighting for trophies, which is something I’ve wanted since I was a kid. After a few weeks here, experiencing the club, the players and the fans, I am extremely happy with the choice I made.”

During the match, Tavernier was constantly directing his fellow teammates and firing up the fans as Tavernier said: “I bring a lot of experience onto the pitch, and Kenny wants me to bring that to the team, to organise, help the lads and direct them. We have conceded goals in our last two games that we shouldn’t have conceded, but it’s our responsibility to improve from the training ground to the matches. There’s a huge amount of hunger in this team, and you could see that from the players who came off the bench and made a big impact.”

Tavernier, who played for three seasons alongside Miller at Ibrox between 2015-2018, said on playing under his former teammate: “I played with him before and knew he was going to come into coaching. He always demanded the highest standards when he was a player, and that’s exactly what he brings with him now as a coach. His demand for excellence is his strength, and it works really well with the players.”

On adapting to playing at a complete different climate to Glasgow, Tavernier whose first match was played in the dessert climate of Be’ersheva before facing the Tel Aviv humidity, added: “I’ve played twice for 70 minutes in a short period of time, and today was much hotter and more humid than what I’m used to. Of course, I’ll improve and reach full match fitness as the games go by. As we move through the coming weeks, you’ll see me getting forward more and more down the wing, supporting the attack and joining the play further forward, while also maintaining a strong defensive foundation at the back.”

On the extensive media coverage back in the UK surrounding his move, Tavernier summed up: “What you see in the media abroad doesn’t do justice to what Israel is really like. From my experience so far, it’s a beautiful place with lovely people. My wife was here for a week and really enjoyed it, and my family will move here to live with me during the international break. I already can’t wait.”

Kenny Miller, who guided Maccabi to their fourth victory in the opening four league matches with a 4-1 victory in the derby said: “A fantastic performance. Our strong start to the season continues. The fans supported us from start to finish and we’re delighted. There were some moments when we weren’t at our best, but you can see that when we’re at our pace, we do things right. The chances came, and we deserved to win.”

Osher Davida, who scored the second goal in the 4-1 derby victory over Hapoel at Bloomfield which took Maccabi’s tally to four victories in four matches, said: “It’s the best feeling in the world. You can’t take winning four games for granted. On his goal celebration right in front of Hapoel’s stand, Davida added: “I have been doing it after every goal recently. It’s nothing special, I also did it against Maccabi Haifa and just continued with it. It wasn’t specifically because of this game. If I had scored at the other end, I would have done it toward the other side.”

On the guidelines the players received from Miller, Davida added: “The coach told us to stick to the game plan no matter what happened,” he continued. “We kept going and scored two more goals at the end through our game plan. I believed this is how we would start the season. We have one more game before the international break, and I hope and believe we’ll do it.”