Legendary goalkeeper Haim Levin dies at 87

U19: kickoff season with 3-1 win over Ramat Hasharon

Maccabi’s U19’s kicked the season of to a winning start beating Hapoel Ramat Hashron 3-1 on the opening day of the season. Yeuda Balay (44) and a brace from Agam Hanoon (45, 90) cancelled Iyamba Ebup’s (28) early lead to give Michael Zandberg’s side a 3-1 victory

In his first official match in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Shachar’, Michael Zandberg recorded a 3-1 victory away to Hapoel Ramat Hasharon on the opening day of the U19’s league season.

Maccabi’s youngsters dominated the early stages of the game with Itay Malma heading a Yeuda Balay free kick over the crossbar in the 6^th minute with Ori Azu firing a free kick wide of the post on 13.

Maccabi continued to look dangerous as Balay himself couldn’t find the target in the 18^th minute after heading an Amir Kredi cross from the left wide as well.  

Ten minutes later however, the hosts took the lead in their first chance of the game as Iyamba Ebup was sent into the Maccabi area and buried his shot past goalkeeper Barak Eltagar.
 
Four minutes after the half hour mark Azu came close as he charged into the Ramat Hasharon area past a defender but sent his shot to the side netting.

Maccabi were back on level terms in the 44^th minute as Balay’s free kick eluded Ramat Hasharon’s defenders and keeper Tom Carmeli to make it 1-1.

Boosted by the late equalizer and inside injury time,  Maccabi took the lead as Agam Hanoon headed home Kredi’s pinpoint cross to give Maccabi the lead before the halftime whistle.

Maccabi reached plenty of chances after the break but Balay, Azu and Sayid Abu Fari were all denied by Carmeli who kept his side in the game.
 
In the 65^th minute Carmeli pulled a stunning save to keep out Azu’s powerful drive while four minutes later he fed Balay whose shot crept wide of the post.

Carmeli was at it again in the 84^th minute to deny Hanoon, but could do nothing to prevent the Maccabi striker from completing his brace with a backheel flick to seal the score at 3-1 in the 90^th minute.

Maccabi are set to host Hapoel Hadera for MD2 on September 2nd.

Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Shachar’: Barak Eltagar, Dor Goldstein (Adir Kordova 77), Michael Merenstein, Itay Malma, Amit Kredi (Daniel Tishler 90), Lior Mashansky, Yeuda Balay, Ido Oli, Sayid Abu Farhi (Yoav Flaishman 85), Ori Azu (Mohamad Taha 77), Aham Hanoon.

In his first official match in charge of Maccabi Tel ...

Yehoda Balai signed 3-year-deal at Maccabi

The 17-year-old midfielder signed a three-year-deal at the club

Yehoda Balai (17) the midfielder of Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Schahar’ signed a three-year-deal at the club. Balai, last season scored 9 goals in 35 appearances for Maccabi’s U17’s, helped his side win the League and Cup double. At international level, Balai made 2 appearances for Israel’s U16’s and scored a goal in 10 appearances for the U17’s

Maccabi’s Academy Director, Claudio Braga, told the club’s official website: “Yehoda is a talented player who begins his fifth season in the Maccabi Academy. Following his development in recent years we believe that this season Yehuda will continue his progress at the youth team. We all believe that Yehuda has great potential to succeed and continue his progress at the club in the future.”  

Yehoda Balai (17) the midfielder of Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Schahar’ ...

New Youth Academy appointments for 2023/24

Macabi’s Youth Academy began its preparations for the coming season as the department’s senior teams began training. Michael Zandberg will coach the U19’s while the coaching staffs of other academy teams were confirmed.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Academy began preparations for the forthcoming 2023/24 season as the coaching staffs of the U15’s – U19’s were all named.

Under 19’s:
Maccabi’s Youth Team will be coached this season by Michael Zandberg who had a short spell at the club’s youth academy several years ago working with the elite players. Zandberg was appointed as Head coach of the U19’s and will be supported by Jeffrey Yishai who will continue another season as Assistant Coach.
Shura Ubarov (Goalkeeping Coach), Tal Volik (Fitness Coach), Dor Hasid (Analyst), Arel Oli (Physiotherapist),  Merav Levy (Mental Coach), Dan Sendelon (Team Manager).

Under 17’s:
Having guided the team to win the League and Cup double last season, Zion Cohen will continue taking charge of the U17’s. Cohen will be supported by Carlos Chakana who will remain in his role as Assistant coach. Shaul Hagiel (Goalkeeping Coach), Idan Bachar (Fitness Coach), Elad Tepper (Analyst), Itamar Mor (Physiotherapist), Merav Levy (Mental Coach).

Under 16’s:
Idan Harari will continue for another season as Maccabi’s U16’s coach after guiding his side to win the league title last season. Harari will be supported by Elad Ben Aharon who will assume the role of Assistant coach. Max Rabinovitch (Goalkeeping Coach), Ben Mor (Fitness Coach), Mor Shaked (Analyst), Sheli Atias (Physiotherapist), Gal Cherboni (Sports Psychologist).

Under 15’s:
After guiding his side to the League championship and a victory in the Super Cup, the U15’s coaching staff will continue with Iliya Krostine as Head Coach and Shlomi Tubul as his Assistant.
Max Rabinovitch (Goalkeeping Coach), Shaul Vazana (Fitness Coach), Yossi Mizrahi (Analyst), Or Aharon (Physiotherapist), Gal Cherboni (Sports Psychologist).

Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Academy began preparations for the forthcoming ...

Zandberg appointed as youth team coach

Michael Zandberg was appointed as the Youth team Coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Shahar’. Zandberg: “Delighted to join a club of Maccabi’s caliber”. Braga: “Michael Zandberg is one of the highly rated young professionals in Israeli football”

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC announces the appointment of Michael Zandberg (43) as the coach of the U-19 Youth team Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Schahar’.

Zandberg, who worked during 2019 at Maccabi’s youth department, told the club’s official website on his appointment: “I am delighted to join a club of Maccabi’s caliber. I appreciate the faith shown in me and would like to justify it. I can’t wait to begin the hard work and hope we will have a successful season.”

Maccabi’s Youth Academy Director, Claudio Braga, added: “Michael Zandberg is one of the highly rated young professionals in Israeli football. He gained a lot of experience at various coaching roles at the advanced age groups of Youth Departments. Michael’s achievements at a host of clubs and national teams during his illustrious playing career are a testimony to his competitiveness which would significantly help the younger generation in their development into the future generation of Maccabi Tel Aviv players. We wish him all the best as the coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Shahar’.”

Zandberg, spent the last three years as the U-17, U-19 an first team Assistant Coach at Hapoel Tel Aviv, made his first footballing footsteps at Hapoel Ramat Gan’s Youth team before joining Hapoel Petah Tikva (1998-2002), Maccabi Haifa (2002-2006) and Beitar Jerusalem (2006-2009). Zandberg, who also played for Hapoel Tel Aviv, Bnei Yehuda, Maccabi Petah Tikva, Hapoel Haifa, Ironi Ramat Hasharon, Hapoel Rison Lezion before ending his playing career at his boyhood club Hapoel Ramat Gan in 2018. As one of the most decorated players in Israeli football, Zandberg won 5 league Championships and 3 State Cups. He scored 4 goals in 20 international appearances for the Israel national team between 2002-2007 as well 4 goals and 15 appearances for the young Israeli national teams. 

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC announces the appointment of Michael Zandberg ...

Turgeman score in Israel’s WC U-20 opener

Dor Turgeman scored in Israel’s U-20 World Cup opening match in Argentina against Colombia that ended with a dramatic 2-1 defeat. Roy Revivo won the penalty from which Turgeman scored and completed 90 minutes while Roy Navi made a second half substitute appearance.

Israel began its’ U-20 World Cup finals with dramatic late 2-1 defeat to Colombia in opening Group C match of the tournament at La Plata, Argentina.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s representatives played a key role as Roy Revivo won a penalty from which Dor Turgeman gave Israel a 57^th minute lead. Turgeman successfully beat Colombia’s keeper Luis Marquinez who denied Maccabi’s young striker from scoring a second in the 65^th minute.

Oscar Cortes equalized from the penalty spot to bring Colombians back into the game.

Roy Navi was introduced in the 74^th minute and Turgeman bowed out on 83 with Shon Edri remaining on the bench as an unused substitute. But as the match was reaching its’ closing stages Gustavo Puerta scored a 90^th minute winner for the Colombians to inflict Israel a cruel defeat.

The other corresponding match of Group C saw Japan record a 1-0 victory over Israel’s next opponents Senegal.

 

 

Israel began its’ U-20 World Cup finals with dramatic late ...

U17’s clinch double: Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Oded’ wins State Cup

Maccabi’s Under 17 side beat Maccabi Netanya 3-0 in the Final to finish the 2022/23 season with a League and Cup double. A brace from Ido Oli and another goal by Yahel Atias led Zion Cohen’s side to win the Cup

Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Oded’ won the Under 17’s State Cup this evening (Wednesday) after beating Maccabi Netanya 3-0 in Petah Tikva. Ido Oli put Maccabi in-front with a powerful header in the 26^thminute before doubling the lead with a clinical finish on 69. Yahel Atias sealed the victory in the 86^th minute as Zion Cohen’s side completed a successful week having secured the league title on the final league match of the season.

Maccabi’s Cup run began with a 5-0 victory at home against second division side Hapoel Nof Hagalil. A 6-0 victory away to Maccabi Kiryat Malachi saw Maccabi cruise to the round of 16 where Bnei Sakhnin proved to be a tough opposition. Oli scored twice as Maccabi were held to a 3-3 draw in regular time, before Said Abu Farhi (113) scored to win 4-3 in extra time. A tough tie away to Maccabi Haifa in the Quarter Finals was settled by a late Ori Amouyof 82 minute winner as Maccabi booked their place amongst the final four Semi Finals. Yuval Kir, Nisan Balai and Yahel Atias were all on target as Maccabi saw off Hapoel Ra’anana with a 3-0 win in the Semi Final which was staged Ramat Gan’s national stadium.

Maccabi Netanya reached the final with a 5-0 victory over Bnei Yosef FC but just like Ra’anana, Netanya conceded three goals with no reply before Maccabi’s players celebrated by lifting the Cup.

Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Oded’ won the Under 17’s State Cup ...

Under 15’s crowned Champions

Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Eldad’ secured the league title at U15’s level three matches before the end of the season. A 2-0 victory over Hapoel B’ersheva ensured the league title with an unreachable gap from second place

Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Eldad’ Under 15’s side secured the league title three matches before the end of the season with a 2-0 victory over Hapoel Be’ersheva. Maccabi that led the standings during the entire season, opened a gap at the top which second place Maccabi Petah Tikva were unable to catch. Ilya Krostin and Shlomi Tubul’s charges enjoyed a successful season as they won 29 and lost only 3 of the 32 matches collecting 87 points with a total goal tally of 110-27.

Ilay Ben Simon was the team’s top scorer with 37 goals to his name with Niv Aloni, Eden Hayat and Roi Gafni in joint second place with 10 goals each.

The Under 15’s Head Coach, Ilya Krostin, summed up the campaign: “After a long season the players had, it is their time to celebrate with the championship trophy. The playing and coaching staff worked really hard all year and one can clearly say that we did it. I would like to thank all the players and staff members who maintained a high level and plenty of motivation but at the same time one must not forget we still have a lot to work on.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Eldad’ Under 15’s side secured the league ...

Under 16’s crowned Champions

Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Eli Fuchs’ secured the Under 16’s league title two matches before the end of the season. A 2-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa opened an unreachable gap from second place to ensure the championship

Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Eli Fuchs’ Under 16’s side secured the league title two matches before the end of the season with a 2-0 win over Maccabi Haifa. Having led the standings for the majority of the season, Maccabi opened the gap at the top which second place Hapoel Tel Aviv were unable to close.
Idan Harari and Ido Jan’s side enjoyed an extremely successful season as they collected 80 points, winning 26, drawing 2 and losing 2 of the 30 league rounds they played. Maccabi’s young charges had the best attack and tightest defence in the league scoring 82 goals and conceding only 18.  

Yahel Va’aknin was the top scorer with 17 goals to his name while Ori Bardugo and Yoav Honiyo contributed 13 goals each.

The Under 16’s Head Coach, Idan Harari, summed up the season when he said: “This was a championship which was typified by ability, character and stability throughout an entire season. The title race was very tight but we knew how to play better, lead the table and win the crucial matches. Besides the good form we showed a lot of character as our goal record of the best number of goals for and least against are proof of that. The players deserve a lot of credit for a championship with style but also highlighting the values of Maccabi Tel Aviv. This is a quality age group which will continue forward and have a bright future. I am grateful to have been given a chance to coach this group of players for a second season and would like to thank my staff who assisted me throughout the season. It was truly an exceptional season by all accounts.”       

Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Eli Fuchs’ Under 16’s side secured ...

A story of courage and bravery: Oz Tzemach remembered

Staff-sergeant Oz Tzemach was killed in the Second Lebanon War of 2006 when despite orders from to seek shelter, he led his tank and its crew in the face of enemy fire and rescued comrades. This is his story

Oz Tzemach was a tank commander in the Second Lebanon War and he and his crew were killed in action on August 12, 2006 when they sustained a direct hit from an anti-tank missile as they sought to rescue comrades under enemy fire in broad daylight.

Oz and his three crew members were killed instantly in their final mission and they showed exemplary courage as they sought to help others for which they were all decorated posthumously.

Maccabi Tel Aviv has commemorated Oz’s memory and has named its Boys C South team in his honour, it is known as Maccabi Tel Aviv “Oz.” Until his enlistment for military service, Oz played basketball for Maccabi Reut, whose colours are also yellow and blue. He and his family have long been followers of Maccabi Tel Aviv. 

This is the story of the Oz Crew as recounted on the web site to his memory, http://www.oztzemach.co.il/Oz-Crew-English.html

Shalom and welcome to the Oz Crew memorial site here in Kibbutz Ma’ayan Baruch.

The crewmen of tank 3 Bet, later known as Oz Crew, fought in the Second Lebanon War. They were part of Company Gimmel of Battalion 53 that is part of the 188 Barak Brigade.

The tank commander was Oz Tzemach from Reut, the gunner was Yinon Yigal Nisan from Ma’aleh Adumim, the driver was Dan Broyer from Bet Hilel and the loader–radioman was Haran Lev from Ma’ayan Baruch, where this monument has been established.

On the morning of July 12th 2006, the Hezbollah terror organization launched a bombardment of Katushya rocket fire over the northern communities in Israel and IDF outposts along the Lebanese border with Israel. Under the cover of this assault, Hezbollah attacked an IDF patrol moving along the border fence, killing three soldiers and kidnapping two others.

Following these events, the Government of Israel declared war against the Hezbollah that was later referred to as the Second Lebanon War. In the first stages of the war, the IDF attacked various enemy targets all over Lebanon using only air force and artillery units. Nevertheless, the Hezbollah continued firing rockets and missiles against civilian targets across northern Israel. 

The next stage of fighting involved the gradual use of both regular and reserve IDF ground forces that penetrated into south Lebanon.

Battalion 53 was at that time deployed in the area of Maccabim and it began preparing to enter the fray.

On August 6, Company Gimmel received its first mission, to make contact with Battalion 75 of the 7th brigade in order to defend a logistics route. In the following days, the company was positioned in a fortified outpost near the village of Ainata in the vicinity of Bint Jbeil.

From this outpost, the company carried out various actions, including opening routes, conducting ambushes, patrolling the area and performing complex evacuation missions. There was also success in striking many terrorists.

On Saturday, August 12, the battalion was ordered to advance to Shekif A-Nimmel ridge to provide cover to the advancing Golani infantry brigade who were closing in on the town of Tibnin.

The battalion, located in Ainata, began moving at 16:00 hours with Company Aleph leading and Company Gimmel following. The rest of the battalion was behind them.

Maneuvering was difficult along the hilly terrain and with no alternative route. Just before nightfall, a heavy bombardment of anti tank missiles rained over Company Gimmel from the direction of the village of Kunin. The company commander gave the order to advance and seek cover and it was then that a missile hit tank 3 Aleph that was moving in front of tank 3 Bet, the Oz Crew tank.

The tank’s firing mechanism was damaged and was inoperable. The tank commander suffered wounds and was incapacitated. The company commander then gave the order to retreat but just then his own tank overturned which also put it out of action. The battalion commander and the commander of platoon 3 who were in the region rushed to help. 

The loader in tank 3 Aleph, which had been hit, replaced the injured commander and took command of the tank but he struggled to move the tank backwards. Oz Tzemach, the commander of tank 3 Bet, observed the tank in difficulty and remained to assist the commander by providing cover with live fire.

Oz Crew found a sheltered position along the slope thereby giving tank 3 Aleph the possibility to pass. As tank 3 Aleph passed tank 3 Bet, it stopped briefly to receive instructions from Oz.

Tank 3 Aleph continued moving backwards, while tank 3 Bet continued to cover its movement with heavy fire.

Over the radio, the voice of Oz Tzemach was heard delivering his last message: “Commander, this is 3 Bet, last one moving.”

A while later, the deputy company commander left the fortified outpost at Ainata together with a crew of engineers and a D9 bulldozer to rescue the company commander’s damaged tank. On their way, the bulldozer operator informed that a tank was on fire. When the deputy battalion company commander and his men arrived at the site, they found that tank 3 Bet had been hit and that the entire crew had been killed.

Company Gimmel continued its withdrawal and the four me of Oz Crew were taken for burial.

Two days later, on Monday August 14, a ceasefire was declared and the IDF began a gradual withdrawal from Lebanon. The company continued to operate in Lebanon until the final retreat on October 1. 

The Oz Crew, who managed to save the lives of others, all received posthumous decorations for bravery from OC Northern Command and their citation award reads:

“This decoration is given for commitment, fighting spirit, personal example, professionalism, camaraderie and fearlessness.”

The Second Lebanon War lasted for 34 days and cost the lives of 121 Israeli soldiers.

May all their memories be blessed.

 

Oz Tzemach was a tank commander in the Second Lebanon ...

The doctor who helped capture Adolf Eichmann

Ahead of the Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Academy hosted Dr. Danny Elian, who told the academy players the fascinating story about the involvement of his late father Dr. Yonah Elian in the capture of the Nazi criminal and one of the major organizers of the Holocaust Adolf Eichmann

The Maccabi Tel Aviv Academy hosted today (Tuesday) on the Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, doctor Danny Elian who told the Club’s Under 16’s and Under 15’s about his father’s involvement in the operation to capture the Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann in Argentina and bring him to Israel for trial.

Yonah Elian was an Israeli anesthesiologist in the 50’s and 60’s and a Holocaust survivor. Despite being a civilian anesthesiologist, Elian took part in various undercover Mossad operations. Born in Romania in 1929, Elian who survived the Holocaust made Aliya and began working as an Anesthesiologist at Tel Hashomer hospital. Elian was recruited to the Mossad and in addition to his regular work, participated in various undercover operations until the late 60’s. He is best known for sedating Adolf Eichmann during the Mossad legendary operation to capture and repatriate the Nazi criminal in Buenos Aires in 1960 before he was smuggled onto a plane back to Israel to stand trial.

“Many times, I asked him, ‘Dad, why won’t you talk about this? What’s so secret?” Danny Elian, told the players as his father’s tale, and the secret he kept, only came to light in recent years.

Dubbed an “architect” of the Holocaust, Eichmann oversaw the deportation of Jews to their deaths. He escaped to Argentina after the war before he was tracked down by Mossad agents in 1960, captured Eichmann, held him in a safe house, then dressed him in an Israeli flight crew uniform and sneaked him past Argentinian airport authorities onto a plane headed back to Israel.

Elian senior, injected just the right dose of sedative to pass Eichmann off to Buenos Aires airport authorities as a sick crew member. Eichmann was brought to Jerusalem for a trial that was broadcast around the world, with more than 100 Holocaust survivors taking the witness stand. He was sentenced to death by hanging in December 1961. At age 56, Eichmann was hanged in June 1962.

The Maccabi Tel Aviv Academy hosted today (Tuesday) on the ...