Bnei Sakhnin Opens Season at Maccabi Netanya Without Key Foreign Players

Bnei Sakhnin will begin their season tonight (Monday) with an away match against Maccabi Netanya, under new management and a refreshed squad. Yossi Abuksis continues as head coach, having previously led Netanya last season before being replaced by Ross Kastin, who will be present at the game. Sakhnin will be missing two of their foreign players: Norberto "Carlitos" Carlos is injured, and new striker Daniel Persicav is not yet match-fit, undergoing a special training program to regain fitness.

Ilai Hajaj, on loan from Beitar Jerusalem, is set to start and support forwards Mathieu Kodjo and Basil Houri in the attack. Ahmad Salman, last season’s standout player for Sakhnin, will play as a defender/winger. Veteran Ayad Abu Abid has lost his starting spot, with Maron Gentos, Dmitry Kabra, and Amit Kardi preferred in central defense.

The expected starting lineup includes Raul Belberao in goal; defenders Ahmad Salman, Maron Gentos, Dmitry Kabra, Amit Kardi, and Sana Gomes; midfielders Modestas Vorobius, Mustafa Sheikh Yosef, and Ilai Hajaj; and forwards Mathieu Kodjo and Basil Houri. The match marks a significant transition for Bnei Sakhnin as they aim to start the Israeli Premier League season strongly despite key absences.