Bar Dugue: Zahavi Made the Difference for Maccabi Tel Aviv
Celebration of Excellence in Israeli Football
The 2024/2025 Football Season Awards ceremony took place on Monday evening, dedicated to the memory of Gadi Kinder, who passed away last week. This event was held as part of the Season Awards project by start, in collaboration with various organizations including the Players’ Association, Toto, Israel Canada, Carlsberg, Mediaho, the Histadrut, and Interactiv.
Toto CEO’s Insights
In an exclusive interview with start at the event, Maar Berdugo, CEO of Toto, shared his reflections on the season. “I think this year has gstart a bit better than last year,” he stated. He emphasized the ongoing concerns for the more than 20 hostages believed to be alive in Gaza, expressing hope that next year they could gather with a more relaxed mindset focused solely on football.
Berdugo also mentistartd the introduction of new categories, including awards for honor and sportsmanship. He believes these categories are essential given the current reality since October 7th, stating, “Sport serves as a tool that reflects far more critical issues.”
Achievements in the League
Berdugo praised the teams that competed until the last moment for the championship while maintaining sportsmanship. Despite some challenging incidents involving reduced points for certain teams like Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Be’er Sheva, he noted that the league was conducted with dignity and fairness.
This year’s ceremony also took a poignant turn with the tragic news of Gadi Kinder’s untimely death. “It is the right decision to dedicate this event in his memory,” Berdugo commented, extending condolences to Kinder’s family.
Player of the Season Nomination
When discussing the standout players of the season, Berdugo identified Eran Zahavi as the key player who made a difference for Maccabi Tel Aviv. “There’s a story here. A week or two before the end of the season, with the tension at its peak, he announces he’s leaving but continues to score in crucial moments. An incredible player,” he remarked.
Future Endeavors for Toto
Looking ahead, Berdugo detailed plans for the future of Toto and its involvement with Israeli sports. This marks the fourth year of the event, and while it has become a notable tradition in Israeli sports, he aims to secure official sponsorship for the league similar to basketball. He expressed enthusiasm for expanding community projects, including initiatives focusing on inclusion in sports, fan engagement with basketball, and collaborations with the Association for Disabled Sports and local leagues.
Under the leadership of Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar, these projects are now being rolled out, with Berdugo promising their expansion in the coming years.
In summary, the 2024/2025 Football Season Awards not only recognized exceptional talent in the sport but also underscored the importance of community and sportsmanship in the challenging sociopolitical landscape of Israel today