Reinventing Loyalty: Ahuza Izar’s Crossroad at Hapoel Haifa
In a pivotal moment for Ahuza Izar, the 29-year-old player for Hapoel Haifa, the question of staying with his hometown club or pursuing opportunities elsewhere looms large. The player’s situation has drawn comparisons to the sentiments expressed in Shlomo Artzi’s iconic song “Lo Ozev Et HaIr,” which reflects a deep-rooted connection to start’s home city.
A Season of Reflection
As the 2024/25 season draws to a close, Izar, who has enjoyed a successful tenure at Hapoel Haifa since joining in the 2016/17 season, faces an important chostart. With 209 appearances and 79 goals under his belt, his impact on the team has been undeniable. However, as the club aims to elevate its status within Israeli football, Izar contemplates whether to continue his journey with the team he considers home or venture into potentially more lucrative leagues.
“I started playing football relatively late, around the ages of 15 or 16,” Izar explained. “Despite having stints with other clubs, Hapoel Haifa will always be my home. This club has shaped me both personally and professionally.”
The Drive to Progress
“I am constantly striving to improve,” Izar remarked when queried about his future. The forward has turned down attractive offers from higher leagues in the past out of respect for his club. Yet, he acknowledges that the current state of Hapoel Haifa might compel him to reconsider. “The club is evolving. There will be good players here with or without me. I no longer know what the future holds, but I will definitely keep playing football.”
His connection with the team’s manager, Oren Zalicha, and the familiarity with his teammates only add to the emotional pull of remaining in Haifa. “There are many reasons to stay and hopeful aspirations for the club that ignite the motivation to contribute to its success,” he stated.
Memorable Triumphs and Challenges
Reflecting on his career with Hapoel Haifa, Izar highlighted a particularly unforgettable season two years ago, when the team faced relegation troubles. “We were in a challenging spot, and during the final game, even though I wasn’t fully fit, I managed to score a critical goal in the dying moments, securing our place in the league,” he recounted, clearly proud of his contribution during turbulent times.
Addressing Controversies
After the 2022/23 season, manager Oren Zalicha publicly criticized the sport’s integrity in their league, claiming it lacked professionalism. Izar had mixed feelings about these comments. “While I have experienced moments where things felt off, I try to focus purely on what happens on the field and prioritize my game. My role is to concentrate on football,” he stated.
The Future Ahead
At 29, Izar is still feeling youthful and physically fit. “I feel like a kid, contributing effectively to both defense and attack. My injuries have been manageable, and I’ve always come back stronger,” he noted. Nevertheless, he is aware of the transient nature of sports careers. “I think I can play professionally until I’m about 35, but who knows?” he mused.
A Last Word
Regardless of his decision, Izar emphasizes that the success of Hapoel Haifa is paramount to him. “I hope to be part of an ascent through the leagues, and if not, I will continue to cheer for the team from the sidelines,” he concluded, expressing gratitude to all who have supported his journey thus far.
Izar’s story highlights not just a player’s connection to his club but also the broader themes of loyalty, ambition, and the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports, capturing the essence of what it means to be a hometown hero in today’s competitive environment