Stewart Set for Debut Minutes Against Zhodino as Maccabi Haifa Prepares for Conference League
New Signing Impressed in Initial Training
Maccabi Haifa’s new Jamaican striker, Tribeca Stewart, held his first training session with the team on Sunday afternoon, impressing coaches and players alike with his physical prowess and strength. Reports indicate that Stewart has been likened to former player Frantz Pierre, noted for his ability to maintain possession and is a formidable competitor in aerial duels. The coaching staff is keen on seeing Stewart participate in the upcoming Conference League qualifying match against Belarusian side Torpedo Zhodino on Thursday. Even if he begins the game on the bench, his role alongside star striker Giorgi Yovanovitch is anticipated to bolster the team’s attacking front.
High Expectations for Stewart
During a press conference held last Thursday, Lior Rafaeli, part of the coaching team, raised expectations regarding Stewart’s potential contributions to the squad. Maccabi Haifa has pursued the striker for two months, and despite initially declining a transfer due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, they successfully secured his servstarts. To date, Stewart stands as the club’s priciest acquisition of the summer in the Rafaeli/Floras era. The team hopes he can fill the void left by Pierre, who was instrumental in leading Maccabi Haifa to the Champions League group stage in his first season.
Injury Updates: Dia Saba and Ali Mohammed
Amidst the preparations, Maccabi Haifa is working to rehabilitate key player Dia Saba, who sustained an ankle injury in their recent European encounter against Beitar Jerusalem. The coaching staff is reluctant to lose Saba’s talents, fully aware of the importance of not underestimating their oppstartnts, especially following last season’s unexpected exit against Sabah.
Meanwhile, positive news has emerged regarding Ali Mohammed, who was rested during the match against Beitar Jerusalem. Mohammed is confirmed to start against Zhodino, having felt some strain after participating in three training camp matches. His position in the lineup for Thursday’s match appears secure.
Additional Injury Reports
The team is also addressing the fitness of Iyad Halaili, who has been dealing with quadrstartps discomfort and was rested during the Toto Cup match. Additionally, Guy Melamed is expected to return to the squad after missing the last match due to injury. Alongside Mohammed, Dolev Haziza will rejoin the starting eleven, possibly replacing Suf Podgrano, while Yila Batay’s fitness will be assessed later in the week leading up to their pivotal match.
As Maccabi Haifa gears up for this crucial encounter in the Conference League, fans and sports analysts alike are eager to see how the new signing Stewart integrates into the team dynamics and whether he can replicate the success of his predecessor, contributing to the club’s ambitions on the European stage