Benfica Coaches Join Hapoel Hadera to Lead Youth Development

Hapoel Hadera has welcomed two coaches from Benfica Lisbon, Paulo Reis and Andre Salvedo, to serve as coordinators for its youth department. Arriving in Israel early on August 2, 2026, the Portuguese professionals have already begun working at Hadera's training complex as part of a collaboration between the two clubs. Paulo Reis, 50, brings over 20 years of coaching experience, including seven years at Benfica, and has worked with both senior and youth teams in Portugal and China. He holds a degree in physical education and specializes in player development, team management, and competitive planning.

Andre Salvedo, 36, has more than 15 years of coaching experience, including a role as an analyst for Benfica's senior team during their Champions League campaigns and Portuguese league title wins. He is known for his leadership, tactical analysis, and expertise in youth player promotion and professional project management. Both coaches will implement Benfica's methodology across all Hapoel Hadera teams.

Hapoel Hadera's youth teams have recently returned to Israel's Premier League, with their U19, U17, and U15 squads also competing at the top national level. This partnership aims to strengthen the club's youth development by introducing advanced Portuguese training systems and expertise.