Manashe Zalaka Nears Retirement After Reaching Compensation Deal with Hadera Club

Manashe Zalaka, a symbol of Hapoel Hadera football club over the past decade, is set to retire after reaching a compensation agreement with the club. Following a positive meeting with club owner Itay Ben Ze'ev, lawyers from both sides are finalizing the agreement draft after resolving all financial issues. Zalaka held a contract worth over 800,000 shekels, but due to the club's relegation to Liga Alef and significant debts left by previous owners, the club sought a settlement. Zalaka agreed to a compensation sum of approximately 500,000 shekels to be paid in 18 installments, despite this being his last professional contract. The agreement is expected to be signed this week, after which Hapoel Hadera will issue an emotional farewell statement for the legendary player.

Zalaka’s career spanned 14 years, starting in Hapoel Hadera’s youth department, continuing through his military service as a paratrooper, and advancing from Liga Bet to seven successful years in the Israeli Premier League. Even now, to honor his contract, he participates in team training, but the upcoming agreement likely marks his final sessions as a player. Beyond football, Zalaka is also recognized as an outstanding reservist soldier and a torchbearer symbol in Israeli football.

Looking ahead, after the Likud primaries, Zalaka is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss his potential reserved spot on the Likud party list for the Knesset elections. Should Likud decide not to reserve a position for him and if he receives an attractive offer from a National League team (which currently does not exist), he might reconsider continuing his sports career, though this possibility is considered unlikely.