Israeli Women's Premier League Kicks Off Historic Season
The 2026-27 Israeli Women's Premier League season begins today, Thursday, with four matches broadcast live. The league features reigning champions Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem, cup holders Kiryat Gat, and newly promoted teams, alongside significant player transfers.
Hapoel Jerusalem, aiming to defend their title, has bolstered their squad with Costa Rican national team goalkeeper Daniela Solera and Brazilian striker Raíza. They retained key players like Israeli top scorer Smadar Cohen and Doris Boaduwaa, though Boaduwaa will miss the opening match due to international duty. Holon, finishing fourth last season, continues with veteran coach Gabi Burshtein and has signed Brazilian goalkeeper Ana Lucia dos Santos, facing a lean squad due to budget cuts affecting foreign player acquisitions. Notable Israeli signings for Holon include midfielder Ofel Super and Maya Chitman.
Kiryat Gat, after a streak of five championships ending last season but winning their third consecutive cup, has appointed Zohar Kaminsky as their new coach. They lost key players like Noa Selimagic and Itaf Alqaisi to Portuguese club Rio Ave but retained star striker Danielle Helana, the league's top scorer for four consecutive seasons. The team also signed Argentinian national team goalkeeper Abigail Chaves, Panamanian midfielder Aldrith Quintero, and Brazilian midfielder Simão Samia.
Ra'anana, after a successful return to the top flight last season, has strengthened its foreign contingent with Brazilian defender Fabiana Soares, midfielder Leidiana da Silva, and Zambian defender Marta Tembo. They also signed Israeli national team goalkeeper Fortun Rabin and defender Dani David. Hapoel Tel Aviv returns to the top league after a dominant season in the second division, signing Israeli national team midfielder Eden Avital and striker Maria Almetsri, along with Mexican defender Rebeca Zavaleta and Argentinian midfielder Angela Nigito.
The fourth match features a Sharon derby between Maccabi Ironi Netanya and Bnot Caesarea Hadera. Netanya, promoted after two seasons in the second division, appointed Dana Karam as head coach and professional manager. They have signed American goalkeeper Alicia Kipferman and Brazilian defender Julia Barros, among others. Hadera, who reached the cup final last season, has seen significant player departures but retained star player Maya Kabeera. They have acquired Chilean national team striker Fernanda Araya and Paraguayan midfielder Fanny Godoy.
