Hapoel Jerusalem Signs Sharani Zubero to Boost Attack with Speed and Depth

Hapoel Jerusalem announced the signing of Sharani Zubero on August 13, 2026, marking a notable addition to the club’s roster. The team aims to revamp its offensive strategy by incorporating faster, deeper attacking movements, relying heavily on foreign players like Zubero who can run behind defenses and create scoring opportunities. The club described him as a hybrid winger-striker with strength and speed, capable of pushing forward with and without the ball.

Zubero first drew attention in Israel during matches against Maccabi Haifa while playing for Slovan Bratislava. However, his role at Bratislava shifted from attacker to defender, limiting his impact. Hapoel Jerusalem appreciated his attacking skills combined with defensive work rate, aligning with their strong defensive philosophy. The transfer process was complicated by coaching changes at Bratislava, including the arrival of Yaya Touré, who initially considered releasing Zubero but later reinstated him after an injury to another winger.

Negotiations began on June 30, 2026, but only concluded after Zubero insisted on a release to join Hapoel Jerusalem, believing in the club’s project and seeking a stable attacking role rather than a peripheral one. The club compared Zubero’s potential to that of Eugene Ansah, another athletic and fast player who adapted successfully to the Israeli Premier League. Hapoel Jerusalem expressed confidence that Zubero will develop further and significantly contribute to their offensive ambitions in the upcoming season.