Tiberias Football Club Rotates Lineup Amid Disciplinary Challenges and Wins Toto Cup Match

Despite a turbulent period marked by ongoing disciplinary issues, Ironi Tiberias began the 2026/27 season with a victory over Bnei Sakhnin in the Toto Cup. The northern club faces a complicated situation as suspensions continue to affect the team, with four suspended players and head coach Eliran Hodeda absent from the squad for the match held on Tuesday. New signings Gal Ma'atok and Samir Farhoud from Hapoel Be'er Sheva were also not included in the lineup.

Assistant coach Moti Krispil emphasized the importance of adapting the lineup to each game and testing players ahead of the season, stating, "I don't like to use terms like strong or weak lineup, everyone is strong. We make specific adjustments for each match." He praised the team's character following the win and expressed the goal to continue winning through actions rather than words, maintaining humility.

Striker Itamar Shabiro highlighted the team's desire to improve and strengthen their cohesion, aiming to contribute both in scoring and teamwork. He acknowledged the squad is still incomplete and expressed support for the suspended players. Professionally, the club plans to rotate players, with youth department members Ran Halyava and Roy Shahar expected to start for the first time, alongside Mansour Badji and Shabiro potentially joining the starting eleven.

The club's next challenge will be against Hapoel Haifa, with the same focus on winning through performance and discipline. The ongoing disciplinary cloud remains a significant backdrop as the team navigates the early season.