Only more than a decade ago, the striker Ahmed Saba celebrated a tremendous season in the uniform of Maccabi Netanya, which he finished as the king of goals in the Premier League and was also named the outstanding player of the season when he led the diamond team to the semi-finals of the State Cup and the top playoffs.
In that season he also became the captain of the team and one of the biggest symbols of the club.
Netanya started the following season great with games in the European League, but was relegated to the National League at the end of that season.
Saba left after four years and was sold to Ironi Kiryat Shmona for half a million shekels.
After that he also played in Hapoel Ra'anana and Bnei Lod until he retired from football in 2016.
Ahmed is also the cousin of Dia Saba who left Maccabi Haifa this week and went on loan to the Emirates from the league in the United Arab Emirates after a long and simple saga.
"I don't wish what he went through on anyone. It wasn't easy, but it's behind him," he says in a conversation with Israel Hayom.
"I wish him success."
He was loaned for half a season. Do you see him returning to Haifa in the summer?
"Dia is under contract with Maccabi Haifa and he will be a Haifa player in the summer. It will be difficult for him to return there, but time changes a lot of things. He came to Haifa because he loves the club and wanted to succeed there. I hope he will be able to return to Haifa because he received many offers before Haifa And choose green. The fans should appreciate it and show understanding."
Dia Saba in the uniform of Maccabi Haifa, photo: Maor Alxalsi
After his retirement, Ahmed Saba (43) moved to serve as a coach in the lower leagues, and for the past two years he has been working for Bnei Zalfa of the First League.
"Until now we have done good things and we are in a good place in the table, but we could do more," he says.
"The league is still long and we will try everything to be in the top playoffs. Our goals are clear - to finish in the top five. We have a great combination of young and experienced players and we are good enough to do it."
On a personal level, do you think you deserve to coach in a higher league?
"I believe and think I deserve it. I'm waiting for a good opportunity and the truth is that in the summer I had the opportunity to coach in the National League, but I had a contract with Zalpa and I respected my contract. I have no doubt that I deserve a higher league than the National League, but we'll give time to take its course."
Ahmed Saba in his great days in Netanya, photo: Alan Shiver
You are considered a sergeant in Maccabi Netanya. why aren't you there
"Maccabi Netanya is a club dear to my heart and I wish them success. I hope that one day I will join the club and know how to give of myself. In the meantime, I am doing the work in the First League."
What would be considered for you to close a circle?
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to join
"Every coach wants to succeed and do the best. I always think about the future and dream of closing a circle in a club that was like home to me and that is Maccabi Netanya. This is my favorite club and I would like to finish my coaching career."
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