Modiin Eyes Eran Sasi After Guy Tzarfati Rejects Offer

Ironi Modi'in is continuing to prepare for its next National League season after securing survival last year, but the club still has not finalized its coaching appointment. The leading candidate is Eran Sasi, who recently coached Hapoel Kfar Shalem in the closing rounds of the season.

Sasi was not the first choice. Michael Zandberg was approached first, but he declined and prefers to coach Hapoel Tel Aviv's youth team, replacing Shahar Wisinger, who signed with Hapoel Kfar Saba. Guy Tzarfati was the second option, but he asked for a salary far beyond Modi'in's budget while still waiting for a response from M.S. Ashdod. If he lowers his financial demands and wants the job, he could still be considered.

Other names examined by the club included Niso Avitan, Itamar Nitzan and Elad Gabai. Even so, Sasi is the preferred choice, and Modi'in is expected to be among the last teams in the National League to complete its preparations again this season.

After the coach is appointed, the club's first task will be to sign a goalkeeper. The leading candidates are Matan Zelmanovitch, formerly of Kiryat Shmona, and Itamar Israeli, who played for Hapoel Ramat Gan. Last season, Shay Maor and coach Eran Bnonius managed to keep Modi'in in the league in the club's first-ever National League campaign.