Gabi Kanichowsky is enjoying a good run of form on the pitch which allows him to put aside the personal tragedy he encountered following the loss of his two close friends who were both killed in action last month.
Ahead of the top of the table clash against Maccabi Haifa at Sammy Ofer, Kanichowsky, faced the media and said: “There is always excitement when we get to this stadium especially with such a big rivalry at stake. One has to remember that this is just another match on our way to the target.”
Kanichowsky, who scored the winning goal in Maccabi’s victory over Hapoel Jerusalem last week, remained with his feet on the ground as he admitted: “The match against Hapoel Jeruasem was played for the same three point, which is exactly the situation now. Obviously there is a rivalry between the two clubs as we are fighting with them for the league title. There is pressure and excitement maybe more than any other game. But at the same time, we are playing for the same three points.”
On how he has been dealing with his personal loss, Kanichowsky, revealed: “It is a not an easy period of time for so many: Everyone in this country is encountering difficult times and many challenges right now. I devoted this goal to my friends who were like brothers to me and I am playing mostly for their families and myself. When I walk on the pitch I tend to focus on the reason why we are actually playing. My wife told me before the last game to try and use these 90 minutes as some sort of a break – to detach myself and do something I love. At the end of the day when I walk on the pitch it is like the best therapy for me and the most natural place for every footballer. Every player would like to be on the pitch and I am delighted that at the moment I am doing it pretty well.”
