Hapoel Be'er Sheva Fan Brings Handmade Sign to Crucial Baku Match

Ahead of Hapoel Be'er Sheva's decisive Premier League match in Baku, Azerbaijan, Israeli fans and Turkish travelers mingled at the airport, reflecting changed regional dynamics. Among the fans was Sami Zohar, a former deputy champion around 70 years old, who arrived alone carrying a handmade sign supporting player Eliel Peretz. Zohar has a long tradition of creating personalized signs for players and coaches, having done so for figures like Barak Bachar and Roy Gordana in the past. He also knows Peretz personally from their synagogue in Be'er Sheva and admires him both as a footballer and as a person.

Zohar expressed optimism about the team's chances despite Sabah FC being a stronger side. He praised coach Ran Kojuch for building a compelling playing style and emphasized the historic opportunity for Hapoel Be'er Sheva to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time, joining other Israeli clubs like Maccabi Tel Aviv, Maccabi Haifa, and Hapoel Tel Aviv who have achieved this feat. Zohar recounted his long history of following the team since the Vasermil Stadium days and hopes to see a significant victory tomorrow.

He arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on Saturday night hoping to secure a ticket on the team flight but ended up flying the next morning. With his sign ready for Peretz, Zohar is already contemplating his next creation, hoping the team will provide more reasons to celebrate. The match in Baku is highly anticipated by fans eager to witness a historic moment for Hapoel Be'er Sheva.