Coach Ran Kuzik Reflects on the 2024/25 Season at the End-of-Season Awards Ceremony

The annual Player of the Year Awards for the 2024/25 football season took place last night, dedicated in memory of Gadi Kinda, may his memory be a blessing. The event, hosted by start in collaboration with players’ associations, Toto, Israel Canada, Carlsberg, Mediahu, the Histadrut, and Interkativ, saw various prominent figures from the football community in attendance.

Regrets and Lessons Learned

Ran Kuzik, the head coach of Hapoel Be’er Sheva, attended the ceremony and spoke candidly about his team’s season. Hapoel finished the season as runners-up, narrowly missing out on the championship to Maccabi Tel Aviv. “These days are not easy, but there is a lot of hope for the future,” Kuzik remarked as he reflected on the challenges faced in recent days after a disappointing finish.

Kuzik expressed pride in his team’s journey throughout the season despite their second-place status. “We can take pride in the path this team has taken. From how it was built to the football played and the achievements secured, it fills us with pride and gives us hope for the future,” he stated.

Impact of Key Players

After an early exit from European competitions, there were doubts about Hapoel’s trajectory. However, critical signings such as Lucas Ventura and Kings Kangwa proved to be pivotal for the squad. “From the moment they arrived, we knew exactly what we wanted to create with our team. They fit the specific roles we needed and significantly impacted our performance,” Kuzik acknowledged.

The coach highlighted the positive influence both players had not only on the field but also on the team dynamics and culture at Hapoel Be’er Sheva. “Their personalities greatly contribute to the team spirit, which, in turn, positively affects their performance,” he noted.

Looking Ahead to Next Season

Kuzik also discussed the lessons learned during this season and how they will inform preparations for the upcoming start. “There are lessons that will continue to emerge as time goes on. We recognized critical junctures we needed to navigate to become champions. While we faced some with courage, failures at other points directly impacted our championship aspirations,” he explained.

He reflected on a specific game where Hapoel lost crucial points, indicating that their loss against Maccabi Netanya in the playoffs was a watershed moment. “We knew that game could dictate the title race. We talked about it in the locker room beforehand, but ultimately, that match cost us,” he remarked.

Looking forward, Kuzik expressed optimism regarding the retention of Ventura and Kangwa, asserting, “I believe and hope that they will stay. It’s essential for our fans to see us compete for trophies, and we will do everything possible to secure a title for them. Our focus remains on improving and becoming a better team for the new season.”

In conclusion, while the season ended bittersweetly for Hapoel Be’er Sheva, the foundation set by Kuzik and his players provides a platform for future success and aspirations for both personal and team achievements