Hapoel Haifa Coach Silvas Says Squad Far From Complete Ahead of Derby

Hapoel Haifa returned to Israel on Monday after concluding their training camp in Bansko, Bulgaria. The team views the camp positively in terms of professional and physical progress, but concerns remain as only five days are left before their Toto Cup derby against Maccabi Haifa. One key decision made after the camp was to release Nigerian winger Kenneth Mama, who was tested during the camp. The club felt Mama was not fully fit and, given his injury history, decided not to take the risk of keeping him.

Coach Haim Silvas summarized the camp by highlighting the team's hard work and improvements across professional, physical, and social aspects, noting the squad is still far from complete. He emphasized the need to strengthen several positions, especially in attack, as the team prepares for the tight schedule of Toto Cup matches leading up to the league season. The club openly acknowledges that the current squad is not strong enough and aims to add a winger, an attacking midfielder, a left-back, and a striker, preferably two to three foreign players who can immediately raise the team's quality.

Players will have a day off on Tuesday, with training resuming Wednesday, though the location remains uncertain due to an ongoing dispute with Haifa municipality. The city is currently blocking the club's use of Beit Nagler stadium over alleged debts. Owner Yoav Katz, who briefly visited the training camp and met with players, has since returned to the United States.