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 remains 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 accelerate his readiness.

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

The expected starting lineup includes Raul Belberao; Ahmad Salman, Maron Gentos, Dmitry Kabra, Amit Karadi, Sana Gomes; Modestas Vorobius, Mostafa Sheikh Yosef, Ilay Hajaj; Mathew Kodjo, and Basil Houri. The match marks a significant transition for Sakhnin as they aim to start the season strongly despite key absences.