Tal Ben Haim, the Yellow & Blue central defender looked forward to his team’s Matchday 26 contest versus Hapoel Haifa at the Netanya Stadium on Sunday at 20:15. Number 26

“The answer if I want to be in the National Team is yes and do I think I deserve to be there the answer is yes. You need to ask the coach why I wasn’t selected. He makes his own decisions and that’s that.”

The season to date:

“We can only sum things up at the end of the season. We have played very well over the last few games and we have been playing very good and active football which we didn’t see for a while. We want to continue playing this way and we shall see what will be going forward.”

Changes in the team itself:

“We’re working harder during training and we are all playing on the defensive side of the game. When everybody chips in, then the results are better.”

Last match against Hapoel Haifa:

“We took the foot off of the gas last match away at Hapoel Haifa, but we are training well and we are focused on this match. We will come into the game ready to go.”

Afraid to pick up yellow cards and then being unable to play:

“As a player, when I go into the game I’m not thinking that I have a yellow card or not. I give the maximum every time I’m on the pitch. We are focusing on the next game only. One at a time.”

The importance for himself playing at Maccabi:

“First of all I want to be part of Maccabi for the rest of my career. I grew up here and I came back here after a long time in Europe. I’m not really thinking to far ahead and just the next game. What will be, will be, but everyone knows that my goal is to stay at this club as long as I can.”

Having spoken to his friend Eden Ben Basat:

“Not yet, but even when I play against my sons I don’t let them get by me and I play my hardest.”

Changes since Lito Vidigal’s arrival:

“There’s no secrets in football. When someone works hard, results will come. We have watched a lot of video to see what we did well and what we can improve. There is criticism when there needs to be and we are always looking to improve.”

The training staff:

“We have a great staff that knows how to keep us in shape. They know when we should do more or do less and that way we go into the games with terrific energy. It’s not easy to change coaches in the middle of the year but we adjusted quickly and we know what we have to do.”

Barcelona’s 6:1 win?

“Barcelona is a team that never ceases to amaze us.”

Lito Vidigal, the Maccabi Tel Aviv boss addressed the media before the Club’s Matchday 26 clash against Hapoel Haifa. The match will end the regular season as the Yellow & Blue will head into the Championship Playoffs the following week. The Angolan discussed the importance of the fans, the squad and if he watched Barcelona and PSG last night:

“I didn’t see the game because I was working at home watching Hapoel Haifa matches and trying to find a way to win the game. I don’t have time for anything else.”

Injured players:

“Some are working with the physiotherapists to come back as soon as possible.”

Playing without winger Tal Ben Chaim:

“I’ve said from the first day that most importantly is the team. If they work and give everything to the team them we have more options to use more players. If we don’t have one player, then we have others. The team is always most important.”

His time so far at Maccabi:

“The players are working well and have been playing good as well. We have five wins in a row for the first time and I want to continue this and keep the play going well.”

Closing the 3-point gap:

“We are focused on the next game. One game isn’t more important than the other. We are only focusing on the next game and the next opponent. That is the goal.”

The end of the Hapoel Ashkelon match:

“Of course I wasn’t happy. We had control of the game and we lost control during the last five minutes. We have to be focused for the full 90 minutes.”

Tal Ben Haim not being selected for the Israel National Team:

“I’ve coached National Teams before and it’s very important. However, I’m just the coach of Maccabi and I’m not the coach of Israel. Tal plays very well and helps the team.”

Happy that Ben Haim is at Maccabi:

“For me it’s ok that he’s here because I’ve played him in all of the games.”

Changing lineups due to four players at risk of yellow card accumulation and missing the Beer Sheva match:

“The most important thing is the next game. If they show me at practice that they deserve to play them they will play.”

Sheran Yeini playing as a defensive midfielder last match:

“I hadn’t made any changes since I arrived but now that there were a number of games, I decided to make a change. The players are all focused on fighting and working to win the next game. The players are working well and they are all important. I believe in all of the players.”

Importance of the fans:

“We need the fans at the stadium, packed. We need their support especially because of the effort the players are giving on the pitch.”

Do you want to get to the match against Kiryat Shemona on Saturday night at 20:30 in Netanya via the quickest and most comfortable way? Now’s the time to purchase the Combo Ticket (Train & Shuttle) to get you to and from the stadium with ease.

You can buy the Combo Ticket at the FANZONE website. Should you want to purchase a ticket at one of the train stations, you will only be able to do so at one of the Tel Aviv stations (Hagana, HaShalom, University)

Please note! Shuttles operate from the Netanya Station and not the Sapir Station. Hours of operation are 19:30-20:30 and are coordinated wth the train schedule.

The Combo Ticket, Train & Shuttle for this match will be available for purchase only at the Tel Aviv stations (Hagana, HaShalom, University).

The return trains stops at the following stations: Netanya Sapir, Beit Yehoshua, Herzliya and then the Tel Aviv Stations but doesn’t continue further south to the Bat Yam, Holon and Rishon Le’Zion Stations.

Tickets for the shuttles will not be available for separate purchase – only Combo Tikets will be available and can be purchased in advance as well via the App or at the Tel Aviv Stations (Hagana, HaShalom, University).

All across the world International Women’s Day is being celebrated with one of it’s main goals being to continue to raise awareness for equal rights amongst the genders, as there are still many places that this is unfortunately not the case. To mark this special day, we spoke to four women with critical roles in the success of Maccabi Tel Aviv who discussed their thoughts on the importance of the work that they do day in and day out for the leading football club in Israel.

Sharon Tammam

What is your role at Maccabi?
“I’m the Commercial Director. There’s never a dull moment.”

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“I grew up in Italy and the tradition was to give out yellow flowers on Women’s Day so it’s pretty nice that I can now connect that with Maccabi. But seriously, I think it’s extremely important that during one week every year we look at women’s rights and the gaps that still exist between the genders with the hope that there will eventually be equal rights for all in various areas. Without a doubt, it’s still very sad that women are still fighting for equality.”

There is a stigma that the football is part of the man’s world. Do you feel that this barrier has been broken?
“It’s certainly a world in which men are very dominant with big egos. Being a woman in some cases is helpful, however on the other hand it sometimes demands me to be very assertive where I’ll put aside my ego in order to make the other side feel that they’ve won. There’s no question that women can bring a tremendous amount to the table in this world.”

Did you have a female role model that inspired you?
“It’s hard to just choose one role model that was inspirational to me. However, if I had to pick one it would be a very good friend of mine, Yael. We met when we were studying in University in Jerusalem and I connected with her right away due to her smile and optimism and it was just after our meeting that I found out that she had gone through a very difficult period of time. Her life was not easy, but she always knew how to contribute with her tremendous strength and determination, always with a big smile on her face. We may live in different countries but our friendship remained strong to this day and every conversation we have gives me strength and inspiration to continue on.”

Let’s finish off with something easy. What position would you play on the pitch and why?
“Instinctively I would answer striker but if I think about it a bit I would say midfielder. Alberman’s role, managing the center of the pitch and the match itself.”

Dr. Michal Goldwirth

What is your role at Maccabi?
“I have been the Club’s doctor over the past 6 seasons and I’m responsible for the team’s medical staff.”

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“I think it’s sad that we need to mark this day. Just like Mother’s Day became Family Day, Women’s Day would become Person’s Day. However, I do understand the goals of the day and why there is a day to give more attention to women.”

There is a stigma that the football is part of the man’s world. Do you feel that this barrier has been broken?
“This day at Maccabi is really not relevant. We have a professional environment and the choices are not made due to gender but due to qualification. Unfortunately, there is still an outdated and old school mentality towards women – I’m the only woman in this role in the country.”

Did you have a female role model that inspired you?
“I always knew that this is what I wanted to do, to be a doctor in the football world. I can say that Dr. Hagar Patish z”l was the first person to lead the way for others in this field. She was the Ironi Rishon Le’Zion doctor even before I entered football. I began in 2000 and there are still many people that remember me as the Maccabi Netanya doctor.”

What position would you play on the pitch and why?
“I would want to be a playmaker just behind the striker. Why? Because I’m not great at listening to orders and I have a very independent side to me. I want to be able to do what I want to on the pitch.”

Yael Margalit

What is your role at Maccabi?
“Lawyer and legal advisor.”

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“For me women’s day is just a regular day. There’s no question that there are gaps between the sexes in equality and we are still living in world where men earn more than women in the same roles, where they are still discriminated against, but I don’t think that Women’s Day really helps out. I believe that this should come conceptually and the more that we distinguish and dedicate a day for women and there is not a day for men, women can’t really move forward. Women, who expect recognition on Women’s Day only, are just damaging all of us.”

There is a stigma that the football is part of the man’s world. Do you feel that this barrier has been broken?
“Before I became a lawyer, I was working as a sports reporter that dealt with primarily men’s sports, so I’ve already been involved in this area for many years. This conversation comes up very often and I’ve got to admit that I don’t think I’ve broken a glass ceiling. I feel that I’m treated with respect regardless of the fact that I am a woman in a man’s world because of my work and that I’m part of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club. People work here because they are good at what they do and not because of their gender.”

Did you have a female role model that inspired you?
“Ofira Assayag, who was my boss for more than five years taught me how to be assertive and about the power of being a woman. My grandmother from my mother’s side was a very independent and courageous in times when it was almost impossible to be. She taught me about true feminism without having to talk about it or by using the word itself and without having to make a lot of noise, just because of the way she lived her life. My mother is also an inspiration as both a woman and a mother.”

What position would you play on the pitch and why?
“I’m a lefty but both of my legs are equally powerful, so I think I’d make an excellent left side midfielder.”

Dana Nisinboim

What is your role at Maccabi?
“I’m the Under-10 coach and assistant coach of the Under-13 squad.”

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“This is a reminder of the discrimination against women over the last generations and now since we are the next generation of women, can have hope and optimism. We are now demonstrating how strong we are and that we have the ability to go far, break the glass ceiling and work in the top positions in any industry regardless of our gender. If it was decided that there should be a special day, then we rightly deserved this day because we are special.”

There is a stigma that the football is part of the man’s world. Do you feel that this barrier has been broken?
“There’s always going to be stigma in any place, but these stigmas are there because of inaccuracies and distortions of the truth. Therefore we need to know what to keep with us and take to heart and what not. I’m a woman, female, playing football and I’m a coach of a football team full of boys; that’s my job. I think that I’ve broken down a barrier that has existed and I know exactly why. To me it’s obvious; I have the desire and drive to show that even though I’m a woman. It doesn’t mean I know any less about football and thankfully I feel a tremendous amount of confidence on the pitch and I’m appreciated amongst the coaches. Being a woman on the field of play is an added value and can help out the more sensitive children by having a maternal role model when it’s a time when it has to be serious, rigorous and full of determination”.

Did you have a female role model that inspired you?
“There’s no one individual person that inspires me as all of the women who were trailblazers are an inspiration to me. One example is Alice Miller who petitioned the high court to allow women to enroll in aviation courses. Another person from the football world is Silvia Jean, who was the first female to play abroad and who has worked very hard promoting women’s football in Israel.”

What position would you play on the pitch and why?
“Striker. It’s the position that I play. It’s a role that requires a lot of nerve, chutzpah and to know where to be at the right time. Of course there’s nothing like scoring a goal or assisting on one of your teammates markers.”

Just as the foreigners have begun to acclimate to life in Tel Aviv, they decided that a trip to Jerusalem was in order to enjoy what Israel’s capital has to offer. The group, which included Ruben Micael, Marcelo, Ramon along with keeper Daniel Tenenbaum and some of the professional staff got to see first hand, the Old City, the Kotel (Western Wall), as well as the city center.

At the same time, Sheran Yeini, Eitan Tibi, winger Tal Ben Chaim and Dor Micha joined the National Team training as they will play a friendly against the Under-21 Israel side tomorrow that also features Eliel Peretz.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will host Hapoel Haifa this coming Sunday night, March 12th on Matchday 26 of the Ligat Ha’Al. The match will take place at the Netanya Stadium and you can come and cheer on the Yellow & Blue as ticket sales are underway.

Maccabi fans may purchase tickets to the following sections: Silver, E+, Lower & Upper West. Please note that tickets are also available in sections 203-204 and are reserved seats.

Tickets are on sale via the Leaan Ticket Agency located at 101 Dizengoff Street, on their Website and by phone *8780

Tickets may be printed at home

Discounted tickets (Youth/Soldier/Women) are available by phone or at the Leaan Ticket Agency Office with ID

Ticket Prices

Silver Section
Leaan Ticket Agency Office – 400 NIS
Telephone/Internet – 405 NIS

E+
Leaan Ticket Agency Office – 200 NIS
Telephone/Internet – 205 NIS

Upper & Lower West Stands Sections
Leaan Ticket Agency Office – 100 NIS
Telephone/Internet – 105 NIS
Youth/Soldier/Women – 50 NIS (not available via the website)

Ticket Collection

Tickets may be collected at the Leaan Ticket Office located at 101 Dizengoff Street 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.

Maccabi won their 7th straight match across all competitions and their 5th league win in a row.

The Club has a current steak of 13 matches without a loss.

Since the 0:0 draw against Ashkelon in the last round, Maccabi has an 82% success rate in the league over 13 matches. Up until that contest the Club had a 58.3% success rate in league action in 12 matches.

Ruben at Work
Ruben Micael recorded his second assist of the season last night which was in his second match in a row.
The Portuguese midfielder assisted on a goal by Barak Itzhaki both against Ashkelon and last week versus Bnei Yehuda.
To date Micael has played five matches for Maccabi and they have been victorious in all of them.

Itzhaki Celebrates 80
Barak Itzhaki scored his 6th league goal of the season and his 4th since the beginning of 2017.
The goal was his 80th in Ligat Ha’Al action and is now tied with Yaniv Katan in 58th place on the all-time goal scoring list.

Tal Ben Chaim scored his 10th goal of the season. This is the first time since 2011/12 when he was with Maccabi Petah Tikva that he has gotten to double figures in league play.

Streaks Broken
In the 90th minute Josif Ivanovich scored for Ashkelom which marked the first goal given up by Maccabi since Sheran Yeini returned to the Starting XI upon his return from Vitesse.

Eli Dasa missed his first league match this season due to yellow card accumulation.

Vidar Kjartansson’s goal scoring string was also broken. The Icelander couldn’t find the back of the gaol for the first time in 3 matches. This was also his second such run this campaign.

In fact in 2014, Kjartansson scored in 5 straight games when he played for Vålerenga of Norway.