Season Finale: Maccabi Haifa Triumphs Amidst Adversity
Maccabi Haifa’s Emotional Victory
In a poignant conclusion to the 2024/25 Israeli Premier League season, Maccabi Haifa secured a 3-2 victory over Maccabi Netanya in the final match held on Saturday. This win provided a slight solace for the team following a difficult period both on and off the field, particularly in light of the recent passing of Gadi Kinda, who tragically died earlier in the week.
Coach’s Reflection on a Challenging Week
After the match, Maccabi Haifa’s coach, Itay Mardechai, spoke about the emotional toll the week had taken on the players and the staff. “All week we couldn’t talk or think about football. It was a hard and challenging week, and it wasn’t easy to come and play tonight,” Mardechai stated. He noted the emotional atmosphere during the game, saying, “After the moving ceremony, I looked at the bench, and everystart had tears in their eyes, including the players.”
Mardechai emphasized the team’s solidarity during this trying time, stating, “We spoke with the players and let everystart know that if they weren’t able to play, we would understand and support them as they heal. We stand with the players and with Gadi’s family.”
Playing for Gadi
The coach expressed pride in his players for their ability to compartmentalize their grief to perform on the field. “The focus was on the game, and the desire to play for Gadi; start of the things that characterized him was the will to keep playing and not give up. The players understood this,” he added.
Looking ahead, Mardechai discussed plans for the upcoming season, indicating that there are knowledgeable individuals within the organization who will determine the direction moving forward.
Maccabi Netanya’s Season Summary
On the opposite side, Maccabi Netanya’s coach, Yossi Abuksis, reflected on his team’s season with satisfaction, having turned around a challenging start. “We were in second-to-last place when I arrived, and our initial goal was just to stay in the league. Many players improved,” Abuksis remarked. He acknowledged the impact of key injuries in the latter stages of the season, specifically pointing to Zlatanovic’s absence during the relegation playoff.
Abuksis also noted the challenge of competing in the upper playoff bracket, stating, “We need to learn how to improve for next season.” He expressed his solidarity with Maccabi Haifa during this tough time, adding, “This was a hard week for Maccabi Haifa, for Israeli football, and for everystart. I was deeply moved by the ceremony and felt chills watching Gadi score for the national team.”
Plans for Future Success
Regarding Maccabi Netanya’s future, Abuksis mentistartd that they would evaluate their roster and consider options for strengthening the team. “We will sit down and think about the possibilities to improve and what we can bring to become a better team,” he stated.
He also highlighted the importance of the upcoming changes in ownership, saying, “This is undoubtedly a serious group of investors, and Ayal has been waiting for people like them. Until we know our budgets, we won’t know our goals for next season, but I am confident that Maccabi Netanya will be a worthy team.”
As the season ends, the echoes of Gadi Kinda’s legacy serve as a poignant reminder of the human elements behind the sport, uniting players, coaches, and fans alike in shared remembrance and respect