Tiberias Prepares for Sakhnin Amidst Team Suspensions and Short Roster

Ahead of their Toto Cup season opener against Bnei Sakhnin on Saturday, Ironi Tiberias faces significant challenges due to ongoing suspensions linked to a doping scandal. Following a heated Supreme Court hearing and calls from the Israeli Sports Anti-Doping Agency for severe penalties against club officials, the club continues to grapple with the fallout affecting daily operations and team morale.

Tiberias acknowledges the situation's severity, describing it as mentally taxing for players and staff. Key figures including coach Eliran Hodeda, technical manager Chen Sol, and players captain Guy Hadida, Sambinia, Niv Gottlieb, and David Kaltins remain suspended pending final decisions. Additionally, left-back Gal Ma'atok is excluded from the squad due to unresolved transfer compensation issues with Maccabi Petah Tikva.

Consequently, Tiberias will field a notably depleted squad with only three foreign players and five youth players included. New midfielder Chris Quaco is set to start alongside Piras Abu Akel, Bar Cohen, and Ari Cohen, with Kayes Ganem leading the attack. Young defender Nehorai Chen and Mansour Badji, recently returned from loan at Maccabi Jaffa, are expected to fill defensive gaps. Maurice Ozen, the youth department's professional manager, will temporarily manage the team, while assistant coach Moti Krispil leads training.

Despite difficulties, the club views this as an opportunity for lesser-used players to prove themselves and strengthen the squad, which remains incomplete. The estimated starting lineup includes Ido Sharon in goal; Mansour Badji, Ron Unger, Endjay Batso, Nehorai Chen, and Guy Sankar in defense and midfield; with Quaco, Abu Akel, Bar Cohen, Ari Cohen, and Ganem in attacking roles.