Coach
There’s no question that one of the biggest additions to Bnei Yehuda happens to be on the sidelines. After plying his trade at Bnei Sakhnin, where he led the club to the Championship Playoffs, Yossi Abukasis became one of the most wanted coach’s in Israeli football and decided to return to the “Shechuna” for his third term with the team. He’ll be looking to take them back to the pinnacle of the Ligat Ha’Al after battling relegation last season.
Comings and Goings
Due to last year’s disappointing campaign there were plenty of changes in the Bnei Yehuda squad and there are some very familiar names as well. Of course, we are talking about Maccabi players that were loaned to the city rival including Eliel Peretz, Mavis Tchibota, Matan Hozez and Marcelo. In addition, Dan Mori, Dovev Gabbay, Ayed Hbshe and Ali Blility all joined the team, while Alon Turgeman, Ben Tzieri, Amir Agaev and Pedro Galvan departed.
What have they done so far this season?
Bnei Yehuda has begun the season with 8 points after 6 matches. Last Matchday, Abukasis and his side defeated Hapoel Raanana 1:0 while they beat Maccabi Haifa to open the campaign. Along the way they fell to Hapoel Beer Sheva and Hapoel Haifa and drew with Ashkelon and Hapoel Acre. Maccabi has already faced Bnei Yehuda this season in the Toto Cup competition with the Yellow & Blue winning by a score of 2:0 while they will meet once again when they kickoff at the end of October in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Under the magnifying glass
One of the best players this season has been without a doubt, keeper Emilijus Zoubas. The 27-year old Lithuanian arrived at the “Shechuna” last summer and turned into one of the top shot stoppers in the Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al giving up only 0.83 goals per match, tied with Kiryat Shemona for the least in the league. In addition, the Maccabi players who were loaned to Bnei Yehuda are of interest to all Yellow & Blue fans as Matan Hozez has already scored two goals so far this season.
