Eliyahu Ofer, former player and coach of Hapoel Beer Sheva, passed away this morning (Thursday) at the age of 78.
Eliyahu played throughout his career for Hapoel Beer Sheva and won the first two championships in its history.
After retirement, he started a coaching career and guided a number of senior clubs in Israel, including Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
Ofer did not go through the normal path of a footballer coming from the youth team.
He was discovered at the age of fifteen in the neighborhood where he grew up and was added to the adult group.
After a short period he started playing in the first team.
Already at a young age, Ofer became one of the team's leading players and a leader on the field, and this status was maintained for many years.
He mostly played as a back midfielder and in many cases dictated the tempo of his team's game.
He was the regular kicker of the 11-meter kicks for Hapoel Beer Sheva and was gifted with long-range outside shots.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva said:
"We are supporting his family at this time and wish they will never know any more sorrow."
Ofer in the middle row, the first on the right, photo: Fo'a L.B.S
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