Maccabi Netanya Eyes Foreign Defender Ahead of Season Start After Toto Cup Win

Maccabi Netanya continues to pursue its ambitions after a 2-0 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva on August 5, keeping their hopes alive for a Toto Cup semifinal spot. The team now relies on Maccabi Petah Tikva to either win or draw against Hapoel Ramat Gan on August 7, which would secure Netanya's place in the semifinals. Coach Ronny Levy rotated his lineup to manage player fatigue ahead of the league opener, giving opportunities to players like Maziz Otara and Isaac Chibango, the latter impressing as a trialist.

Levy is actively working to sign a foreign central defender before the league begins. Meanwhile, the club will not obstruct Karam Jaber, who is facing a reduced role, from exploring other offers through his agent Dudu Dahan, although no formal proposals have been received yet. Additionally, Itay Ben Shabat has been offered to Hapoel Petah Tikva and Hapoel Jerusalem after being excluded from Netanya's squad, but unlike teammate Willian Ciprian, he attended the match to support his teammates, earning praise from the club for his professionalism.

Right-back Alon Azugi, recovering from a shoulder subluxation, is expected to return to full training soon and be available for upcoming matches. The club is not concerned about recent interrogations of several staff members in connection with the medical infusions investigation. Club doctor Ahmad Biadasa, a leading orthopedic specialist, demonstrated that Netanya followed approved protocols, including documentation of fluid amounts within regulations. Investigators confirmed that Netanya's procedures were the most orderly compared to other clubs, such as Tiberias.