Former Hapoel Be'er Sheva Player Recalls Harsh Desert Life and Yossi Benayoun's Talent

Former Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Hapoel Haifa midfielder Miroslav Bićanić recalled his time playing in Israel in a recent interview with Serbian media. Bićanić, who played for Be'er Sheva in the late 1990s, described the challenging conditions of playing in the Negev Desert, noting that Be'er Sheva is located about 100 kilometers from Tel Aviv.

He described the difficulties, including sandstorms and travel issues, making the team feel like they were "at the end of the world." Despite the harsh environment, Bićanić stated that he and his family felt comfortable and respected by the club, highlighting the fair treatment he received as a foreign player. His family adapted well, with his eldest son attending an Israeli kindergarten.

Bićanić also commented on the technical skill and attacking style of Israeli footballers, noting that they sometimes lacked toughness and competitiveness. He specifically remembered Yossi Benayoun, whom he first encountered when Benayoun was only 17. Bićanić was highly impressed by Benayoun's performance, stating it was clear even then that he was a special player destined for international success.

In the interview, Bićanić also offered his perspective on an upcoming match between his favored team, Dinamo Zagreb, and Hapoel Be'er Sheva. He advised Dinamo to take Be'er Sheva seriously, referencing their previous success in eliminating Red Star Belgrade.