One of the most intriguing teams this season in the Premier League is Hapoel Haifa.
The Reds from Carmel started the season in a positive way and even made history for the club in Europe when they passed a stage in the Eurocup factory.
At the age of 33 and in the midst of another wonderful season personally, Amit Simhon will take the floor tonight at the Toto Hall in Holon for the quarter-finals of the State Cup in order to try and fulfill a dream, to bring his modest team closer to a historic title.
In a revealing and exclusive interview with Israel Hayom, Simhon speaks frankly about the key points in his career, the great pain of not playing for the Israel national team, the dream of bringing a title to Carmel, the thoughts of the day after basketball and the harsh feelings of lack of appreciation that haunted him throughout most of his career.
Amit, tonight you will go up to play in the quarterfinals of the State Cup, are you still excited before big games?
"I still get excited before every game I play, especially in such big games. If I wasn't excited I probably wouldn't be doing it anymore."
We see that the team has had ups and downs so far, how can you maintain consistency?
"This year we have a load of games because of Europe and it has an effect. Our roster is not long and playing two or three games a week is challenging but I think that in general I manage with respect."
Do you think you are paying a professional price for the decision to play with only four strangers?
"In general, I think all league teams should switch to playing with only four foreigners, the large number of foreigners hurts the Israeli player."
You said in the past that your remaining goal is to get a degree at Hapoel Haifa, do you think this is possible this year?
"I believe every year that this is the year, but yes, I want to bring a degree to Hapoel Haifa, it burns in me and is important to me personally."
You said before that you are not a politician, what did you mean?
"I don't like flattering people to advance my career, it's not something I do. In our country, many people flatter themselves to get ahead, that's not my way."
Simhon
Still excited about every game, photo: Maor Alxalsi
You said you are probably not a big team player, why do you think so?
"In the past, I had cases when I got to big teams, I went up to play two or three minutes on different occasions and that's how difficult it is to express myself. I'm a player who lets the game come to him, I don't force things. Playing two minutes and going down to the bench is something I didn't succeed in. I did better in places where I felt more They believe in me and give me more playing minutes."
When you look at your career in general, do you feel you haven't gotten the appreciation you deserve?
"Yes, over the years I have carried with me the feeling that I am not appreciated enough, but I think I have always proved to others and to myself that I am a much better player than people think. Today I no longer feel that way, I know what I am worth."
You've had a glorious career, today at the age of 33, are you already thinking about the day after basketball?
As a player who went through quite a few injuries in his career and played quite a few years, I feel it, I know it's not the easiest to continue, but I work the hardest to continue my career as much as possible.
I don't know where I will be in two years, as long as I continue to be excited and my body will allow me to continue playing."
Do you feel a loss that you didn't play for the Israeli national team?
"Yes, I feel missed as an Israeli player who grew up here and played in all the youth national teams. I expect them to want to promote me and push me forward. For one reason or another it didn't happen, in my opinion I wasn't called to the national team because of politics. If it didn't turn on a red light for anyone there that I Playing well and not getting a summons is no longer under my control."
If today they call you for the next window and invite you, will you come?
"Of course, I will always be happy to make it to the national team. I am not a person who lets his ego influence him, of course this is the Israeli national team. Those who know me know how important the national team is to me and how excited I have always been to represent the national team and the country, it is an honor and pride for me."
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