Hapoel Haifa Begins 2026/27 Season Preparations With New Trialists and Coaching Changes

Hapoel Haifa officially launched its preparations for the 2026/27 season on Monday with head coach Haim Silvas leading the first training session. Silvas, who secured the team's place in the Premier League last season, returned to guide the squad alongside existing and new players. Notably absent from the session were Liran Sardal and Itay Buganim, who are still negotiating their futures with the club. Alon Turgeman, Naor Sabag, and Dario Zuparic are expected to join training later Monday evening.

Two trialists participated in the opening practice: Piras Agbariya, a former Maccabi Netanya youth player who last played for Hapoel Ramat Gan, and Lior Rokach, a former Hapoel Hadera player. Both are being evaluated for potential inclusion in the squad. The roster remains open as the club aims to finalize it before departing for a training camp in Bulgaria on July 13. Hapoel Haifa is targeting additional signings, including a foreign winger and an Israeli left-back, with Guy Sankar from Kiryat Yam among the candidates.

The coaching staff also saw changes, with goalkeeper coach Eliad Graf replacing Ran Kadush, who left for Maccabi Netanya. Monday's training took place on the synthetic field in Kiryat Yam, with the team expected to return to their regular training facility at Beit Nagler early next week.