Until the 13th round, Hanan Maman has not scored even once in the Premier League this season.
In the background, was his summary with owner Yoav Katz about a new contract, which at all times remained in the air.
The personal crisis he experienced in his personal life, until the death of his late sister Orit, greatly affected the 32-year-old, who has had difficulty expressing his ability from recent years.
But it was precisely after the family tragedy that the gates began to arrive.
Maman promised Orit before her death that he would continue his career and do the best for her, so that she would be proud of him.
In the first goal against Hapoel Jerusalem in the 13th round, he burst into tears, and since then he has added three more goals, each of which was worth precious points for his team in the battle for a place in the top playoffs.
More precisely, eight points in seven games, about 30 percent of the team's total points (26 points).
Another interesting common denominator for all recent rounds: Maman did not wear the captain's ribbon, although in his environment no importance is attached to it, despite the fact that he shares it with defender Dor Malul.
Hanan Maman.
Good and mutual relations with Hapoel Haifa, Photo: Maor Elkelsi,
In the last period, coach Elisha Levy talked to owner Yoav Katz and pressed for Maman's signing, until it finally happened.
The original conclusion was on a two-year contract, but the compromise was on signing for the season with a mutual option.
Ironically, Maman signed and flourished exactly the week he would meet Moshe Hogg's Betar Jerusalem, under whom he received a message that he could look for a team and return to Kiryat Haim.
"I'm happy for the club and Hanan, it's his natural place," Elisha Levy said of the signing, adding before the game on Saturday: "It was clear to me that Yoav would do anything to close it and he did it quietly."
Beyond that, the 11 who started with a victory over Hapoel Nof Hagalil will continue on Saturday as well.
The Matthias Liovich contact will be on the roster for the first time.
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