Former Israeli Premier League Stars Still Playing in Lower Divisions
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Former Israeli Premier League stars continue to play in lower divisions.
- Ten players were identified as still active in Liga Bet and Liga Gimel.
- Notable names include Eran Levi, Siraj Nassar, and Liran Cohen.
- These players maintain their passion for football away from the spotlight.
Numerous former stars of the Israeli Premier League, who once graced the top flight with memorable goals and performances, are still actively playing football, albeit in the lower, less publicized leagues. A review by Sport Channel identified ten such players who continue to keep the passion for the game alive.
Among them is Eran Levi, 41, known for his potent left foot and impressive goal-scoring record for clubs like Hapoel Haifa, Beitar Jerusalem, and Maccabi Netanya, as well as appearances for the national team. Levi currently plays for M.K. Or Akiva in Liga Bet (North B) and recently scored a notable free-kick.
Siraj Nassar, a former winger for Hapoel Be'er Sheva, where he played a crucial role in their survival in the top league in the 2012/13 season, is now with Bnei Eilat in Liga Bet (South B). Oudi Kabudi, 48, a striker who played for Ironi Rishon LeZion and Maccabi Netanya in the 1990s and 2000s, continues to play for M.K. "Tomi" Tel Aviv in Liga Gimel (Tel Aviv).
Other notable players include Ronen Hantzis, who developed at Maccabi Tel Aviv and played for Beitar Jerusalem, now with Ironi Beit Dagan in Liga Bet (South A); Vova Brown, a former defensive midfielder for Hapoel Be'er Sheva, now playing for Hapoel Lod in Liga Bet (South A); and Avi Ivgi, a goalkeeper and singer, who is currently playing for M.K. "Tomi" Tel Aviv in Liga Gimel (Tel Aviv).
Amir Agayev, who had a stint in Europe with Omonia Nicosia and also played for Beitar and Hapoel Tel Aviv, has recently joined M.K. Gissin, a fan-run club of Maccabi Petah Tikva, in Liga Gimel (Dan District). Liran Cohen, famous for scoring Maccabi Tel Aviv's historic goal to qualify for the Champions League, is also playing for M.K. "Tomi" Tel Aviv in Liga Gimel. Yechiel Tsagai, who played for several top clubs, now plays for Maccabi Sha'arayim in Liga Gimel (Center District), and Idan Shreki, a former striker for M.S. Ashdod and with European experience, is currently with Tzafririm Holon in Liga Gimel (Dan District).
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