Posted on

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.”