Maccabi in Champion of Champions grand final
A Maccabi Hakoah Football Club team is looking to create local Jewish football history this weekend when it aims to capture the Football NSW’s Under 21 Champion of Champions title this Sunday at Sydney’s Valentines Park.
Maccabi Hakoah Football Club is represented within the local Eastern Suburbs Football Association (ESFA), with 10 teams participating over all levels of competition. However, it has been the remarkable tale of the 3rd division side which is capturing the imagination of the local Jewish football world.
The team, managed by Jordan Besser, was selected to represent ESFA since it was the highest-ranking team over all its divisions which is comprised entirely out of Under 21 players. As a result, it gained a surprise ticket into the prestigious Champions of Champions, a post-season competition run by Football NSW to determine the best amateur teams in the state.
This is the first time that Maccabi has been represented in the Champion of Champions at the senior level since the glorious “Grand-Masters” captured the Over-35 title some 20 years ago.
It has been a dream run for the entirely Jewish squad. After a slow start, the boys remained undefeated since May. It has been particularly impressive considering that the team has no full-time coach, with midfielder Dan Engelman stepping into the player-coach half way through the season.
Last Sunday’s semi-final win was secured in a tight 1-0 tussle over Gladesville Ravens, with the solitary goal scored by Jonathan Solomon. They now meet Sutherland champions Menai Hawks in Sunday’s grand-final. Besser has expressed confidence, stating that “the team has great comradery which complements our playing style. We now have the confidence that we can make it all the way, and make our community proud! We look forward to as many as possible coming to show support!”
MATCH DETAILS:
Maccabi vs Menai Hawks
Sunday 22 October
Kick-off: 12:45pm
Valentine Sports Park, 235 Meurants Lane, Glenwood
MACCABI HAKOAH FC U21
Back: Giora Glick, Daniel Seef, Mark Filler, Jordan Besser, Oliver Gruia, Dan Engelman, Ricky Shapiro, Aaron Ryba
Middle: Brad Paikin, Jason Cohen, Gidi Zimerman, Jordan Proskewitz, Jonathan Solomon
Front: Greg Ellerine, Ted Cohen, Adam Sesel
