Former Israel Captain Bibras Natkho Discusses Future, National Team Struggles
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Former Israeli national football team captain Bibras Natkho is considering a career in sports management and feels more respected in Serbia than in Israel. He discussed the national team's struggles to qualify for major tournaments, citing issues with player development and mentality. Natkho also spoke about the pressures faced by Arab-Israeli players and the importance of respecting diverse opinions within the country.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Bibras Natkho, former captain of Israel's national football team, is considering a future in sports management.
- Natkho feels he receives more respect in Serbia than in Israel due to perceived political and religious interference.
- He believes Israel's national team needs a change in mentality and approach to qualify for major tournaments.
- Natkho highlighted the significant sacrifices and pressures faced by Arab-Israeli players in the national team.
- He respects Israel but cannot sing the national anthem as it does not speak to him personally.
Bibras Natkho, the former captain of the Israeli national football team and its first non-Jewish captain, has retired from playing but remains involved in the sport. Currently residing in Serbia with his family, where he is a legend for Partizan Belgrade, Natkho is considering a future role as a professional manager. He expressed that while coaching also interests him, his primary focus is on a management position.
Natkho shared that he receives more respect in Serbia than in Israel, attributing this to what he perceives as religious and political interference in Israeli sports. He also addressed the sensitive issue of the national anthem, stating that while he deeply respects Israel and has given much to the country, he cannot sing the anthem as it does not speak to him personally, though he respects others' right to do so.
Reflecting on his departure from the national team, Natkho acknowledged that he may have been sidelined during a certain period but maintained good relations with former team managers. He emphasized that the decision to end his playing career was mutual, allowing the next generation to emerge, and that it concluded with respect.
Discussing the national team's persistent failure to qualify for major tournaments, Natkho pointed to issues with player development and the difficulty for Israeli players to move to more competitive leagues abroad. He believes a change in approach and mentality is necessary, stating that if the current trajectory continues, future generations will also miss out on major tournaments. He also highlighted the sacrifices made by players from the Arab sector, who face significant societal pressure and criticism, suggesting they deserve more credit and support.
Natkho also touched upon his sons' potential football careers, noting that one is a talented goalkeeper but he is hesitant to push them too hard, understanding the mental and physical demands of the sport. He also offered advice on the national team coach selection, urging the football association to commit to a chosen path and allow time for it to develop, rather than making frequent changes.
