The 1995/96 season is thought to have been one of the greatest campaigns in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s history. Winning the Israel League title and State Cup were the highlights of the season, but no less important and enjoyable was the composition of the club and the players who made up the squad. Many of the stars entered the club’s pantheon and of course one of them was striker Eli Driks. Number 7 led Dror Kashtan’s Yellow & Blue attack with 15 league goals that made him Maccabi’s goal scoring leader. Now, more than two decades later, Driks looks back at the Yellow & Blue from 1995/96.
“This was the Double Season that continued the success that Maccabi had at the start of the 1990’s, it was the height of our success. We had a squad that had played together for many years, with the addition of Uvarov and Polukarov from the Former Soviet Union and we had a lot of luck to get such quality players, together with some of the leading Israelis we had an incredible team,” remembers Driks. “This was one amazing season during a period where we had won a number of titles and were a dominant side. We battled Maccabi Haifa Head-to-Head during a generation that had many talented players. Haifa was thought to have had a more talented squad who played an attractive style of football. We were men on a mission going out to battle, but I also felt that we played quality football with plenty of goals and we also knew how to be winners.”
What was this club’s secret to success?
“Many times success and failure comes down to ego. That same season, in fact during that period of time, the players supported each other. The success of the team was of the utmost importance and that was the key to everything. The issues that teams face usually occur after they have been successful. Once you succeed, all of a sudden there is plenty of time for interviews in the media and some players receive more attention than others – and that is where the success of a team begins and ends. Our coach Dror Kashtan knew how to keep our team together, on one hand by being tough and on the other like being a father figure.”
Where do you believe this squad ranks amongst the all time great Israeli football clubs?
“Look, Maccabi Netanya of the 1970’s was a huge club. Maccabi Haifa who fought with us for supremacy also had a terrific generation of players and of course we did as well. I don’t know what to say, but this was one of the great side’s in Israeli football.”
Finishing the season as the top goal scorer:
“That’s correct, but that was never a goal of mine, although if it was a goal I would have accomplished it. The most important thing for me was winning as a team. Many times when we were in the lead, I was the first substitute so I could rest instead of playing during garbage time. I believe I had a part in some of the goals, with many assists and also being able to have the squad play together. Like I said, you had a group of people who on one hand were very competitive, but on the other knew how to put things aside on the pitch and give everything during the 90 minutes to win.”
What is your most memorable moment?
“I’m not a very nostalgic person. Many times thanks to you, Facebook and the website, I receive tons of WhatsApp messages from fans that send me some of the most unforgettable moments. However, I do remember the match we secured the championship against Beitar Jerusalem at Bloomfield. I was fouled for a penalty and Nimni missed but ended up scoring afterwards. What was so incredible, which was different than other championships where fans ran into the pitch, it was amazing to see over 20k fans cheering in the stands at Bloomfield, cheering as we ran around the stadium and celebrated in such amazing and sportsmanlike fashion.”
Do you remember the checkered kit?
Of course I remember it. I can also say that when I was CEO at Maccabi I brought them back in the middle of one of the seasons in the 2000’s. During that period of time there wasn’t much thought to merchandise and kits like there is today, where fans enjoy purchasing jerseys and scarves. I can say that after many years I finally understood how the kit could cause a lot of excitement and bring back some wonderful memories for the fans.”
How do you see football as it was then to how it is today?
“Nothing is the same. A few nights ago I was watching the Gold Channel. State Cup Final, Maccabi Tel Aviv against Hapoel Tel Aviv at Ramat Gan Stadium. We won 2:1. Koby Segal who covered me would have received 3 red cards during the first ten minutes of the match in today’s football. There he didn’t even get a yellow. I use Koby as an example, but that could have been the case on our side as well. Someone who would see that today would say, ‘what brutality, they came to break someone’s leg’. Also listening to the announcers then compared to today is something totally different. I don’t know if today’s football is more professional, because we also trained well and were taken care of, but it’s certainly more commercial. Today there are agents and personal managers who sometimes make decisions that are not in the best interests of the player. One can find themselves with plenty of money, but when they look at their playing career they may not be satisfied. I’m not saying that it’s right or wrong but that’s just life.”
