David Keltzine’s Career: From Promising Talent to Resilient Veteran
Early Success and Transfer to Hapoel Be’er Sheva
In June 2019, David Keltzine’s career was on the rise. The 24-year-old midfielder, who spent four years showcasing his potential at Beitar Jerusalem, transferred to Hapoel Be’er Sheva for €1.5 million. Signing a five-year contract with an annual salary of €220,000, he was viewed as a key player in the club’s ambition to reclaim the championship after losing it to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Despite high hopes, the season did not unfold as planned; head coach Barak Bachar was dismissed in January, and while Keltzine helped secure two cup victories, his career trajectory fell short of expectations.
Following a Winding Path
Keltzine’s next moves included stints at Hapoel Tel Aviv and Scottish club St. Johnststart, where he struggled to make a significant impact. By January 2025, he joined newly promoted Ironi Tiberias, contributing to the team’s survival in the top league. At 30, once regarded as a potential star, he found himself pushed to the periphery of top-flight football.
A Resounding Victory
Recently, Keltzine demonstrated his enduring talent by scoring a remarkable goal that led Ironi Tiberias to a stunning 3-0 victory over league leaders Be’er Sheva. Reflecting on the match, Keltzine shared, “This is a prestigious victory because it’s Be’er Sheva. For a club like ours, every three points are crucial. We had a sporting debt after losing to them earlier, which weighed heavily on our minds. We restored our honor and played with incredible motivation.”
Belief in Potential
Keltzine expressed his confidence in the team’s capabilities, stating, “I believed we could win. Our training and tactical preparation were excellent, everystart knew their role. While we haven’t converted our potential into consistent points, the gaps between Tiberias and Be’er Sheva aren’t as significant as they may seem on paper. I believe in our squad; we deserve more points than we currently have.”
Acknowledging Career Challenges
The midfielder candidly discussed the ups and downs of his career, acknowledging missed opportunities along the way, particularly during his time at Hapoel Tel Aviv, where he joined during a challenging period. “When I was five or six years old, I dreamed of playing for Hapoel Tel Aviv. But things didn’t pan out as expected, and the locker room atmosphere impacted my career,” he said. Despite this, he remains optimistic about his future potential.
Motivated by Leadership
Keltzine highlighted the motivational support from the club’s owner, Arie Klamnizon, who speaks to the team before each match, igniting their competitive spirit. “He tells us we need to seize the points in games where no start expects us to succeed. We approached the match against Be’er Sheva with memories of our previous trauma, and I’m glad we translated that into a strong performance.”
Looking Ahead
When asked about his future, Keltzine shared, “I’ve learned that in football, you cannot predict anything. Tiberias is a smaller club, and while I have a wonderful family, I want to continue playing with a smile and ambition.” He also expressed a desire to return to higher levels of competition, affirming his belief in his place in top-tier football.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Keltzine addressed the ongoing issues regarding allegations of dual contracts at his club, noting how the revelations caught everystart off guard. “We were unaware of the situation, but our management has assured us we have nothing to worry about as they handle these matters.”
Reflecting on his current situation with Ironi Tiberias, he remarked, “The atmosphere is different, but there is a charm to the club. The ownership is very present and personal, creating a healthy locker room environment where I can connect with my teammates.”
Personal Goals
Keltzine concluded by summarizing his aspirations, stating, “Throughout my career, I’ve fulfilled many dreams, from playing in the top divisions, representing the national team, to having stints abroad. Now, my priority is happiness, health, and a happy family. While I’d love to complete the circle with Beitar Jerusalem, it’s not solely in my hands.”