Revenge act will spur GB on to glory, says Shafron
Premier Division stars ready to spearhead push for gold in Costa del Sol
FOOTBALL DANIEL Shafron has urged his players to seize the moment ahead of the European Maccabi Football Trophy, which gets under way in Spain today.
Maccabi GB suffered a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out defeat against France in the Open Football final in London two years ago and team manager Shafron is confident his squad is equipped to conquer Europe’s finest.
Premier Division stars Dovi Fehler, Daniel Garfinkle and Ethan Zone spearhead the challenge of a squad light on experience on the international stage ahead of the four-team tournament in the Costa del Sol.
Shafron said: “Preparations have gone well and the squad is looking good. We assembled the group three months ago and it has come together very well. We’re optimistic about bringing home gold.”
MGB will also face teams from Germany and Spain but Shafron believes they have nothing to fear. “The quality of squad in general has been brilliant,” he said. “We’ve got a handful of players from both Division One and Two. The second division players in particular have been a credit to themselves.
“I am certain they could all be playing at a higher standard and I think there’s a lot more to come from these guys in years to come in the MGBSFL.”
Shafron is tipping Fehler to take the competition by storm after registering 25 times in the MGBSFL and Cyril Anekstein Cup for Hendon United.
He said: “Dovi’s achievements in Jewish football across the European game have been well highlighted. He is a real example of how far you can push yourself and how far you can go in Jewish football.
“Garfinkle is another exceptional talent and all the boys are relishing play- ing with them as well as each other.
“We’re looking forward to unleashing them on the defenders. Both players will have a lot more freedom in Spain than in the league here, without a defender on their back, and it’ll take a while for our opponents to figure them out. I think they are going to have a lot of joy.”
Shafron is confident his players will be able to handle the condition. He said: “We know it will be humid and we are prepared to play temperatures of 29 degrees. It’s going to be tough, but we are relishing it.
“We go to Spain with a game-plan, knowing how to utilise the squad. We know there are game-changers and match-winners in the squad and will be predominantly looking to play a possession game. We’re conscious that we play Spain and France the same day so we must adapt to the conditions quickly and look after the ball to avoid fatigue. That will give us the best possible chance of success.”
Asked about MGB’s opponents, Shafron said: “Individually we don’t know very much about the players. Germany will be very tough, Spain will be full of flair and France are very tough. What happened in the 2014 final against France has been playing on our minds and it is something we plan to put right this year.
“We expect the standard to be very high but the other teams do not know much about us or our weapons. We have enough to give them a lot to think about. It’d be difficult to go there with any other object than gold and everyone in the camp believes we can come away victorious.”
Meet the Maccabi GB players looking to impress at the EMFT
Josh Bharier (Blizzard Storm) The box-to-box beast, Josh can run all day and breaks up play for fun. He’s strong, athletic, great in the tackle and sees himself as the Dele Alli of the team, although he more resembles Moussa Dembele!
Rob Blackman (Harmen) Rob is no stranger to representing Team GB at the EMFT. Strong, physical and with a superb work ethic, he has shown that he has all the qualities of leading the squad with pride and passion.
Elliot Espinoza (Scrabble) Goes into the tournament on the back of an outstanding season. A workhorse and is the protector of the defence. The way he reads the game and eagerness to pick up the ball and keep things simple will be vital in Team GB’s success
Dovi Fehler (Hendon Utd SC A) Has shown year after year just how clinical he is and has proven to be one of the best and most-feared forwards in recent MGBSFL history. Has competed at the highest level of Jewish football and the squad will be looking to him to recreate his traditional league form. Possesses the finest goal celebration in the MGBSFL. Svi Freedman (Los Blancos) Mr Versatile. Strong, physical and can play in a number of positions. Very reliable and has become more and more confident as the weeks have gone on. An integral member of the squad.
Daniel Garfinkle (Redbridge JC A) Having taken his game to a new level this season, he will be looking to make a claim for the EMFT Golden Boot and won’t rest until he has it in his possession. As quick with the ball at his feet as he is without it, there’s no doubt he will be billed as the “one to watch” and will be the name defenders across Europe won’t forget any time soon.
Zak McLeod (Scrabble FC) Has everything in his locker to be the game-changer: his pace, quick feet and great vision, as well as his bullet of a shot, which will cause all defenders a problem.
Ben Myers (SPEC FC) Has grown in confidence throughout this entire process. His first thought is to defend and he rarely gets beaten. Has a superb left foot and deserves plenty of plaudits
Zack Neiman (SPEC FC) Give him a sniff at goal and he’ll put it in the back of the net. Zack’s versatility allows him to adapt either as a traditional back-to-goal centreforward or he can sit on the shoulder of the last defender. Powerful in the air as well as with the ball at his feet, on his day he’ll give any defence a torrid time. Josh Pugh (Athletic Bilbaum) Has fast become a very popular figure among the squad. Has great vision, awareness and his set-pieces are lethal. Worth placing a bet on a top corner wonder strike. Grant Waissel (NL Raiders) Tall, athletic and has a very safe pair of hands, Grant has been an imposing figure between the sticks since joining the club from Faithfold in 2013. Played a key role in their title-winning year that same season, and countless great saves helped his team to a third-placed finish this time around in Division Two. Highly rated stopper by all associated with NLR. Scott Waissel (NL Raiders) Made an impact for both NLR B and C teams over the course of the season. His pace and versatility have caused defences problems and no doubt will be a key figure during the games. Jake Yudelowitz (NL Raiders) A naturally gifted defender. Great on the ball, rarely gets beaten in the air and reads the game brilliantly. Lots to come and a name to look out for in the coming years. Ethan Zone (Hendon Utd SC A) A tremendous player with a wealth of experience. Proven himself at the top level and plays with confidence mixed with the right amount of arrogance. Great going forward so don’t be surprised if he gets on the scoresheet.