Maccabi's traditional showcase match between the training staff and the club's Platinum Club members ended in a 4-1 victory for the coaches
At a festive event for Maccabi Tel Aviv's Platinum Club members, the team's coaching staff tonight gathered to play a showcase match against the club's honoured guests at the Kiryat Shalom training ground. Held for the first time last season, the match is fast becoming a club tradition and afforded an opportunity to Maccabi's loyal Platinum Club members to rub shoulders with the team's professional staff. Both before and after the match the members received the VIP treatment at the ground, joined by current members of the first-team squad, among them Eden Ben Basat, Gal Alberman, Nikola Mitrovic and Carlos Garcia.
At last year's event, then head coach Paulo Sousa and his staff registered a resounding victory over their Platinum Club opponents, headed by first-team manager and former Maccabi star Benny Tabak, who once again was charged with briefing the Platinum Club members turned footballers. Dressed in cleats and official Maccabi kit, including socks, shorts and shirts, this year's Platinum squad attempted to make amends for last season's defeat. Across the pitch were the no less impressive coaching staff squad, under the able leadership of assistant coach Kobi Alfasi and manned by such key figures as head coach Pako Ayestaran, goalkeeping coach Shura Uvarov and many others.
After the players were introduced by renowned Bloomfield Stadium announcer Shay Sidi, the match got underway but quickly took an unexpected turn when a surprise substitute came on for the coaching staff, none other than Maccabi Tel Aviv's celebrated all-time leading goalscorer Avi Nimni! The match got off to a furious start as Maccabi CEO Martin Bain scored the first goal with an assist from the club's head scout Amir Turjeman. Moments later this fruitful partnership continued with the CEO now providing for former striker Turjeman, who scored with a half scissor kick reminiscent of his illustrious playing days. The coaching staff's third goal was scored by club spokesperson Ofer Ronen after a spectacular personal effort, followed by a fourth by Maccabi's legendary captain Avi Nimni. Danny Fildes scored the Platimun Club's consolation goal close to the end after beating former Maccabi star goalkeeper Shura Uvarov.
