Hapoel Jerusalem Coach Praises Former Player Voransa After Hat Trick

Hapoel Jerusalem secured a crucial 4-2 victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva before the international break, largely thanks to a stellar hat trick from former youth player Voransa. Andrew Idokwu also scored for Jerusalem, while Liran Hazan contributed a goal and an assist for Petah Tikva.

Hapoel Jerusalem coach Lior Zada acknowledged the importance of the win, especially after a recent loss. He praised Voransa's work ethic and potential, stating, "Voransa is the player I loved coaching the most in the youth system. He works very hard, doesn't stop pressing and running. He still has work to do but I trust him, he has a good future." Zada also took responsibility for the team's defensive lapses, noting, "We cannot live with this number of goals conceded and it is my responsibility to fix it."

Conversely, Maccabi Petah Tikva coach Ziv Arie expressed frustration with his team's early defensive struggles, having conceded in the first 15 minutes of four out of their last five games. "When you concede such soft goals, it's very difficult," Arie said. Reflecting on Voransa, Arie added, "I gave him what I could, we will say thank you and wish him success."

Voransa himself was elated with his performance, stating, "It's a great feeling, you can't describe it. I need to thank the fans and this is how we do it." He expressed gratitude to the club and his teammates, and shared his ambition: "My dream is to reach the highest levels possible, wherever God plans. God willing, I will be the outstanding player of the season."

Maccabi Petah Tikva player Maor Erlich acknowledged the disappointment of the loss and expressed confidence in the team's ability to improve. "We have 3 weeks to prepare for Hapoel Haifa and we will come prepared. We have an excellent coach who will tell us our mistakes," Erlich stated, adding, "There is no explanation for the number of goals conceded, we are still learning about each other. This is my first season in the Premier League and as time goes by you will see a different team."