Israel HayomSports10:01

Maccabi Haifa Signs Defender Eli Dasa, Eyes League Lead

By ליאב נחמני

Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba

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Hebrew · 5 newsrooms covering

Maccabi Haifa has signed defender Eli Dasa, who spoke with club president Yakov Shahar before the deal. Dasa expressed a strong desire to return to competition after a period without a team. He is expected to train with the club on Tuesday and potentially become the starting right-back. A win on Monday night would put Maccabi Haifa one point behind league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Maccabi Haifa signed defender Eli Dasa after talks with club president Yakov Shahar.
Dasa expressed a strong desire to return to competition after months without a team.
He is expected to train with the team on Tuesday and wear the number 2 jersey.
A win on Monday would place Maccabi Haifa one point behind league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Coach Barak Bakhar sees Dasa as a future starting right-back.

Maccabi Haifa has officially signed defender Eli Dasa, following discussions with club president Yakov Shahar. Club officials described Dasa as a "purely professional" acquisition, also noting his positive personal attributes as a leader and role model. Dasa expressed a strong desire to return to competitive play after several months without a team, a sentiment echoed by the club's ambition for titles.

Dasa is expected to train with the team for the first time on Tuesday at Kiryat Galim. He will reportedly wear the number 2 jersey, previously worn by Zohar Zano, who may be loaned out or transferred in January. Dasa's integration into the team, particularly the locker room, is seen as significant, with strong connections to players like Omer Glazer and Eitan Azulay.

The team is currently focused on their Monday night match against Hapoel Jerusalem. A win would place Maccabi Haifa just one point behind league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv. Coach Barak Bakhar anticipates Dasa will become the primary right-back once he regains match fitness, potentially shifting current right-back Yileh Betai to left-back. This move is also considered in light of the extended recovery period for injured player Pierre Cornud, expected to be out for at least two to three more months.