Hapoel Jerusalem Celebrates Historic Win, New Sponsorship Deal

Hapoel Jerusalem secured a significant 4-2 victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday, extending their positive start to the season. The win was particularly notable for striker Nadim Varasna, who scored a hat-trick, becoming the first Hapoel Jerusalem player to do so in the top league in 55 years. The club expressed satisfaction with the team's momentum and the performance of homegrown players.

Despite several key absences, including Yonatan Lish, Idan Cohen, and Vitali Damashkan, the team showcased attacking quality, with Shahrani Zubeyro, Omer Abuhav, and Krist Tyehi adding dynamism to the midfield. The club acknowledged the need to improve their defensive record, stating, "We must learn to stop our conceding goals. If we make the adjustments and balance within the team, we will have a good season."

Following the match, the team will have two days of rest before resuming training. Zubeyro is set to depart to play for the Togo national team in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Approximately 1,100 fans supported the team at the stadium, contributing to an excellent atmosphere, and were praised by the club for their "unrelenting push."

The club highlighted its philosophy of developing and relying on youth academy players, citing Varasna and Idoko as prime examples. "They work super hard in training, and their growth from the youth to leading the team's attack reflects the club's philosophy of producing homegrown players and relying on them," officials stated.

In parallel with the sporting achievements, Hapoel Jerusalem announced a new sponsorship agreement with Arka, a leading Israeli electrical solutions and lighting wholesaler and importer, for the 2026-27 season. The Arka logo will be featured on the team's official jerseys and stadium signage. This partnership aims to integrate with the club's social activities, emphasizing shared values of community commitment and grassroots growth. Arka CEO Michael Rabinovich stated the connection to the club is natural due to its community focus and positive impact, while Hapoel Jerusalem CEO Uri Sheretzky affirmed the club's commitment to justifying Arka's choice through continued community engagement.