The year was 1965. Two Tel Aviv sides met head-to-head in the Israel State Cup Final with Maccabi coming into the match as the defending Cup holders. The Yellow-and-Blue got onto the scoreboard first as Moshe Asis scored in the 25th minute, however the Oranges drew even before the break.
The final then headed into extra time and Rafi Baranes gave Maccabi the lead. There were plenty of players who graced the pitch in that final but one player was head and shoulders above everyone else. Haim Levine, the Maccabi keeper who put on a magnificent performance that led to the club hoisting the Cup for the second straight year.
Haim Levine was born 79 years ago today, March 3, 1937 and his name became synonymous with the all time great keepers as he collected two Championships and four State Cups. Due to his uncanny abilities and the fact that he wore a dark colored uniform he became to be known as the “Black Panther”. Levine played for Maccabi Tel Aviv between 1960-1969 in what was the best era of his goalkeeping career.
In addition to playing for Maccabi, the shot stopper also donned the keepers shirt for Hapoel Petach Tikva, Hapoel Kfar Saba, Hapoel Hadera, Maccabi Netanya, Maccabi Haifa, Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Jerusalem. Levine made his Israel National Team debut in a 5:0 loss to the Brazil National Team and took part in all of the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games. In total he played in 22 Israel National Team matches.
