Former Footballer Haim Peretz Recounts Manchester United Trial and Career
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Former footballer Haim Peretz, now a restaurant owner in Bat Yam, revealed he had a trial with Manchester United at age 14 but returned home due to parental demands. Peretz played for various Israeli clubs, including Maccabi Jaffa and Hapoel Ashkelon, and was considered a significant talent. He also discussed his nickname 'Keegan,' his admiration for players like Eli Ohana, and his personal life, including multiple marriages. After retiring, he pursued coaching and worked for the Bat Yam municipality.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haim Peretz had a trial with Manchester United at 14 but returned home due to parental demands.
- Peretz, nicknamed 'Keegan,' played for Maccabi Jaffa and Hapoel Ashkelon, among other clubs.
- He is now a restaurant owner in Bat Yam, a popular spot for former footballers.
- Gabi Lasri stated Peretz was a great talent who didn't fulfill his potential.
- Peretz has been married and divorced four times and has children from each marriage.
Haim Peretz, a former footballer known as 'Keegan' in his youth, now owns a modest restaurant in Bat Yam called 'Haim HaYafeh,' which serves as a gathering place for retired players and coaches. Peretz, who played for clubs like Maccabi Jaffa and Hapoel Ashkelon, shared details of his football career, including a trial with Manchester United at age 14. He explained that scouts invited him for a month-long trial after a Maccabi Jaffa youth team training camp in England, but he returned to Israel due to his parents' insistence on him being closer to home.
Peretz's early football journey began at a community center in Jaffa, where he received support from coaches. He trained briefly with Hapoel Tel Aviv before joining Maccabi Jaffa's youth team, where he played alongside future star Itzik Zohar. Peretz described himself as a significant talent, recalling disputes with Zohar over penalty and free-kick duties. He felt that Maccabi Jaffa lacked the resources to fully support his ambitions at the time.
A surprising transfer saw Peretz move to Maccabi Lazarus Holon. During a match against Hapoel Ashkelon, he learned at halftime that his brother-in-law had arranged his transfer to Ashkelon. He found a second home there, embraced by the club and its fans. Former teammate Gabi Lasri commented that Peretz was a great talent who did not fulfill his potential due to poor management of his career.
Peretz also reminisced about playing with notable players at Hapoel Ashkelon, including goalkeeper Assi Rahamim and striker Shoko Nomder, and admired footballers like Eli Ohana and Ronnie Rosenthal. He mentioned that his nickname 'Keegan' came from his youth days, inspired by the English striker Kevin Keegan. Peretz has been married and divorced four times, has children from each marriage, and is now happily with Alona, whom he has known for 40 years.
His playing career continued in lower leagues with teams like Hapoel Bat Yam and Beitar Bat Yam, before a brief stint at Hapoel Shikun HaMizrah and a prolific period at Neve Golan. After retiring, Peretz obtained a coaching certificate from Wingate Institute and worked for the Bat Yam municipality while coaching children's football.