Maccabi Netanya Prepares for Season Opener Against Hapoel Jerusalem with Young Defender Feldman in Focus

Maccabi Netanya is still finalizing its squad ahead of the new season but aims to start strong in tomorrow's (Saturday) home match against Hapoel Jerusalem. After a successful training camp, coach Roni Levi is considering several lineup options, particularly between Aziz Watara and Omri Shamir for a key position. Watara is seeking a club willing to take over his contract, which pays about 120,000 shekels monthly, but has not impressed professionally.

Levi has been notably impressed by young defender Beni Feldman, who earned significant playing time during the camp. Until a foreign center-back is signed, Feldman is expected to play over Itay Ben Shabat and Denis Kolikov. Should a new foreign defender arrive, Kolikov will likely be loaned out. Alongside Feldman, Levi plans to give credit to young winger Alex Talpa. Alon Azougi currently has the edge over Karam Jaber, meaning captaincy will remain with Oz Bilu.

Dolav Haziza is expected to join training this morning. The midfielder, disappointed with Maccabi Haifa's handling of his situation and out of form, agreed to forgo his October salary to facilitate his transfer to Netanya. He officially signed his contract after Tisha B'Av. After praising the team’s professional and social performance during the camp, Levi told the players, "Winning friendlies is important, but now the real moment begins for all of us. More players will join, and the upcoming games are your chance to prove you fit our goals."

The projected starting lineup includes Samuel Silva, Alon Azougi, Bakari Konate, Beni Feldman, Giorgi Morozov, Aziz Watara (or Omri Shamir), Basem Za'arura, Maor Levi, Oz Bilu, Alex Talpa, and Mateusz Dąbrowski.