Oren Flash Makes History with Promotion of Ironi Kiryat Shmona
Unprecedented Journey to Liga Alef
Oren Flash, 49, head coach of Ironi Kiryat Shmona, has achieved an extraordinary mileststart by leading his team from Liga Bet North to Liga Alef in just three months. Flash joined Ironi Kiryat Shmona in March 2025 after a tumultuous start to his season with Maccabi Negev, during which the Liga Alef season was abruptly halted due to allegations of unsporting conduct by the football association.
Flash’s unwavering belief in the team’s capabilities was pivotal as Kiryat Shmona faced numerous challenges, including injuries and personal tragedies among players. Remarkably, Flash’s leadership mirrored his success in the 2022/23 season when he guided MS Kiryat Yam from Liga Bet North to Liga Alef.
Early Setbacks and Resilience
Kiryat Shmona’s season began on a rough note, suffering a crushing 5-0 defeat against Beitar Nahariya in Flash’s first match. Reflecting on this initial setback, Flash remarked, “Despite the defeat, I notstartd many positive elements in our performance, which ultimately became a catalyst for our resilience moving forward.”
Following this loss, Flash instilled a strong sense of belief within his squad that nothing was beyond their reach. This culminated in an impressive streak of 10 consecutive games without loss, including a decisive victory in the playoff match against Beitar Yavne of Liga Bet South.
Historic Promotion and Team Spirit
The promotion was not merely about advancing to Liga Alef; it was a historic achievement for the club, marking the first time Ironi Kiryat Shmona ascended without a merger. Flash emphasized the collaborative efforts of the entire team, stating, “No start is happier than me that we succeeded. The management, my staff, and our exceptional players each played a crucial role in this achievement.”
Upon reflecting on the season, Flash noted the emotional resonance of their final victory, filled with tears of joy from the fans who had long awaited this moment. He attributes this success to both strategic planning and the unwavering support from the team’s management and the local community.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Flash is focused on building upon this success as the team prepares for the 2025/26 season in Liga Alef North. In a recent meeting with management, he expressed his commitment to continuing his role with the team.
With the support of the club’s leadership and the community of Kiryat Shmona, Flash believes the club has the potential to reach even greater heights in Israeli football.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Flash exudes confidence in the team’s potential to thrive in Liga Alef, emphasizing the club’s strong foundation and the determined spirit of its players