The captain of the Georgian national team will remain at the club for another season: “I’m ready to give everything for the club and for the people who believed in me.”
Georgian midfielder Ana Cheminava has signed a one-year contract with the club, with an option for an additional season. She will wear the red jersey for the second consecutive year.
Cheminava (29) joined the team last season as a key signing. After 11 impressive appearances, she suffered an ACL tear during the match against Hapoel Petah Tikva and has since undergone her entire rehabilitation process with the club. Now fully recovered, she is ready and eager for the start of the 2025/26 season.
She has earned 54 international caps for the Georgian national team, where she proudly wears the captain’s armband.
Following the signing, Cheminava said:
“Throughout the entire challenging rehabilitation process, Hapoel stood by me without hesitation. Now, I’m ready to give back and give my all — to the club, to the fans, and to those who believed in me.”
Good luck, Ana!
The Reds wrap up their pre-season preparations with a 1–1 draw in their final match of the camp, now shifting focus to the upcoming Toto Cup opener
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv concluded its training camp in Poland this evening (Thursday) with a 1–1 draw against Neftçi Baku of Azerbaijan, in what marked the final fixture of the team’s pre-season schedule ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The match got off to a difficult start for Hapoel, as the Azerbaijani side took the lead in the opening minute. However, Eliniv Barda’s men gradually gained control of the midfield and dictated the pace for the remainder of the first half.
In the 35th minute, El Yam Kanzpolski was brought down in the box, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Roy Corine stepped up and calmly converted to bring Hapoel level at 1–1.
The second half saw Hapoel continue to push forward, creating several additional chances, but none were converted. In the end, the match ended in a draw, capping off an intense and valuable training camp as the team looks ahead to the new season.
Next up: the Toto Cup group stage opener, set for this Tuesday.
Hapoel Lineup:
Asaf Tzur, Shahar Piven (Yishai Brosh – 74’), Fernan Mayembo (Ron Talmi – 86’), Ziv Morgan (Tal Archel – 66’), Doron Leidner (Yazan Nassar – 62’), El Yam Kanzpolski (Ran Binyamin – 62’), Roi Elkukin (Lucas Falcao – 46’), Ari Cohen (Amit Lamkin – 62’), Roy Corine (Mor Buskila – 62’), Liran Rotman (Omri Altman – 74’), Daniel Dappa (Anas Mahamid – 66’)
Looking ahead:
Hapoel will kick off its Toto Cup campaign this coming Tuesday (July 22), with an away fixture at the Moshava Stadium in Petah Tikva against local rivals Hapoel Petah Tikva, in the opening round of the group stage. Kickoff is scheduled for 20:00.
Forever in Our Hearts: In Memory of Hanan Yablonka and Yonatan Samerano
An emotional evening took place at the Hodorov Complex, featuring an exhibition match between Hapoel Tel Aviv’s veterans team and the Nova Tribe Association team, dedicated to the memory of two supporters of the club who were murdered in the massacre at the Nova music festival.
Tonight (Wednesday), a moving event was held at the Hodorov Complex in collaboration with the Nova Tribe Association, in memory of Hapoel Tel Aviv fans Hanan Yablonka and Yonatan Samerano, of blessed memory. Hanan and Yonatan came to celebrate at the Nova festival and were murdered in the October 7 massacre. Their bodies were taken to Gaza and later returned. Their dear families attended the event and spoke during a touching ceremony.
At the conclusion of the evening, an exhibition match was held between the Nova Tribe Association team and the Hapoel Tel Aviv veterans team. The Nova team was led by Paz Amar, football team manager at the association, and coach Guy Kamin. It included survivors of the Nova party and bereaved family members. Club legends played for the veterans team.
Before the match began, a heartfelt ceremony was held in memory of Hanan Yablonka and Yonatan Samrano, devoted supporters of the club who were murdered on the Black Saturday of October 7th.
Orit, representative of the Yablonka family: "Our Hanan came to Nova to do what he always loved – to celebrate life. Hanan will forever be remembered in all of our hearts – for the goodness in him, the joy he brought, and the person he was. The pain is immense, the longing only grows – but tonight’s game is proof that life is stronger than everything, and that nothing can extinguish the spirit. Our beloved Hanan, we know you're here with us – on the field and in our hearts – spreading light and joy as you always did. We wish both teams success. May your memory be a blessing".
Sarit, representative of the Samrano family: "I want to thank Hapoel Tel Aviv, the Nova Tribe Association, and Pini Balili from the bottom of my heart. This is one of those rare games where I’m sure both sides will support each other, show unity and love – that’s the spirit of the people of Israel. Our Yonati, you are our heart, our life – and we will never forget you. Thank you all so much."
Ortal Botbika, Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Community Relations Manager: "We stand here today to honor two of Hapoel Tel Aviv’s fans – Hanan Yablonka and Yonatan Samrano, who were brutally murdered at the Nova festival on October 7. Hanan and Yonatan were not just fans – they were an inseparable part of the red family. They lived and breathed the club, followed it every season, and stood in every stadium. Their passion, love, and spirit continue to accompany us today. The match taking place this evening, between Nova survivors and Hapoel legends, is much more than just a game. It is a moment of unity, of embrace, of a clear message: we will never forget you. On behalf of the Hapoel Tel Aviv community, we send love and support to the families, friends, and all the Nova survivors. Hanan, Yonatan – always with us, in the stands, on the field, and in our hearts".
Pini Balili, Sports Relations and Partnerships Manager at the Nova Tribe Association: "There is nothing more emotional than representing Hapoel Tel Aviv and the Nova Tribe Association. Today’s match is in memory of two dear fans, with families I love and am deeply connected to. I’m sorry the match is held under such circumstances, but that’s life – we must move forward, pray for the safe return of the hostages and of our soldiers. Enjoy the match, and most importantly – bring everyone home".
The match ended with a 4:2 victory for the Nova Tribe Association team.
Thank you to everyone who attended.
May their memory be a blessing.
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv Continues Preseason Preparations with Another Victory at the Poland Training Camp
This evening (Tuesday), the team played its third friendly match of the training camp in Siedlce, this time against Motor Lublin from the Polish top division.
The Reds controlled the tempo from the outset and took an early lead in the 10th minute with Anas Mahamid’s second goal of the camp—following an assist from Stav Toriel.
In the 28th minute, Ran Binyamin was brought down in the box, and Toriel calmly converted from the penalty spot to double the lead to 2–0.
In the 60th minute, Daniel Dappa made his unofficial debut in red, coming on as a substitute.
Head coach Eliniv Barda made a number of additional substitutions throughout the second half, and the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
Hapoel’s Lineup:
Asaf Tzur (Sagi Pinhas – 76’), Shahar Piven (Omri Altman – 31’, Roi Elkukin – 60’), Fernan Mayembo (Samuel Monfort – 60’), Ziv Morgan (Tal Archel – 46’), Yazan Nassar (Doron Leidner – 60’), Lucas Falcao (El Yam Kanzpolski – 60’), Amit Lamkin (Yishai Brosh – 66’), Ran Binyamin (Ari Cohen – 60’), Stav Toriel (Roy Corine – 46’), Mor Buskila (Liran Rotman – 60’), Anas Mahamid (Daniel Dappa – 60’)
Hapoel’s final match of the training camp will take place this Thursday, when the team faces Neftçi Baku from Azerbaijan.
Kickoff is set for 18:00 (local time), and the match will be broadcast live and exclusively on the club’s official app.
Sion Medical, a medical equipment company specializing in wound care, infection prevention, and medical solutions, has signed a sponsorship agreement with Hapoel Tel Aviv Football Club for the 2025/26 season
As part of the collaboration, the company’s logo will appear on the sleeve of the senior team’s match jersey and will also feature on stadium signage at Bloomfield Stadium and throughout the club’s content activities during the season. In addition, Sion Medical will provide dedicated medical equipment to the club's medical staff.
Founded in 1982, Sion Medical manufactures a wide range of disposable medical solutions, operating in over 50 countries with four international production sites. As an Israeli company with a global presence, providing medical supplies to hospitals and clinics, Sion Medical sees this partnership as an opportunity to extend its impact beyond the healthcare system — onto the field and to the athletes themselves.
Daniel Lev, CEO of Sion Medical:
"Our partnership with Hapoel Tel Aviv reflects the values we've upheld for over 40 years — innovation, loyalty, and commitment to community health. The presence of the Sion Medical logo on the match jersey sleeve serves as a reminder that behind every injury, there is a precise solution.
On a personal note, as a lifelong fan of the club, this is a dream come true. I truly believe that with the Sion Medical logo on the jersey, we’ll share powerful, emotional, and unforgettable red moments together."
Guy Primor, CEO of Hapoel Tel Aviv:
"We’re proud to welcome Sion Medical to our family of partners. This is a natural connection between two brands driven by excellence and continuous growth. The fact that the company is led by Hapoel fans only strengthens the feeling that this is a genuine partnership — one that will bring added value to our medical department. Wishing us all success."
Click here to visit the Sion Medical website
The talented striker has joined his teammates at the training camp: "I'm grateful for the tremendous effort to bring me here - you can already feel the power of Hapoel"
Striker Daniel Dappa has signed a five-year contract with the club, after successfully passing his medical exams and joining his teammates at the training camp in Poland. Dappa will wear the number 44 jersey.
Born in Israel to Ghanaian parents, Dappa began playing football at age 12, and joined the youth academy of Maccabi Netanya in the U-16 team.
From the outset, Dappa put up impressive numbers in Netanya’s youth ranks: in the 2022/23 season he scored 20 goals in all competitions for the U-16 team, and in the 2023/24 season netted 19 league goals for the U-17s.
He started the past season with Netanya’s youth team, scoring 10 league goals by January. In just his second appearance for the senior team, he came off the bench to score the winning goal against Kiryat Shmona — and from then on became a regular in the Israeli Premier League. By the end of the season, he had scored three more league goals and registered one assist.
In March, Dappa made three appearances for Israel’s U-19 national team, and scored a goal in a friendly with the Olympic team against Bulgaria two months ago.
After signing, Dappa said: "I'm so happy and excited to be part of this amazing club. Huge thanks to the club’s owner, Edmond Safra, to CEO Guy Primor, the coaching staff, and my agent, attorney Stav Hakmon, for their trust, support, and the tremendous effort to bring me here. You can feel Hapoel’s power from the very first moment — I can’t wait for the season to start."
Good luck, Daniel!
To purchase a season ticket for the 25/26 season, click here.
The young left-back commits his future to the club: "Already in my first senior appearances, I felt the desire to be part of Hapoel in the future as well"
Left-back Ofer Gelbard has signed a contract with the club that will keep him at Hapoel until the end of the 2028/29 season.
Gelbard (19) joined our youth academy a decade ago, starting in the U-8 team, and has progressed through every level since. Over the past two seasons, he has played for the club’s U-19 team and has made six senior appearances across all competitions.
Following the signing, Gelbard said: "I'm very happy to sign a senior contract with the club where I grew up. From my very first appearances with the senior team, I felt the power of this club — and the desire to be a part of it in the future. I’ll give everything I have to bring joy to our red fans and help the team succeed in the coming years."
Good luck, Ofer!
The midfielder will remain in red until the end of the 2026/27 season: "Excited and looking forward to continuing to be part of the club’s return to the main stage"
El Yam Kancepolsky has signed a two-year contract extension with the club and will wear the red shirt through the end of the 2026/27 season.
The 21-year-old midfielder joined our youth academy at the Under-10 level and has since progressed through every age group. He made his senior team debut in the final match of the 2020/21 season and has gone on to record 82 appearances for the first team.
Following the signing, Kancepolsky said: "Everyone knows Hapoel Tel Aviv is more than just a club to me – and I couldn’t be happier to extend my contract. I'm excited and looking forward to continuing to be part of the club’s return to the main stage of Israeli football, and I’m confident we’ll achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves. Yalla Hapoel!"
Good luck, El Yam!
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv continued its strong form in the training camp in Siedlce, Poland, with an impressive 5–0 victory featuring five different goal scorers.
The Reds faced Neptūnas Klaipėda, a Lithuanian second division side, in their second friendly of the camp on Sunday and dominated from the opening whistle, showcasing high attacking quality throughout the match.
Anas Mahamid opened the scoring with a precise header in the 16th minute. El Yam Kanzpolski doubled the lead in the 25th minute, and Ari Cohen made it 3–0 with a header of his own just before halftime (39').
Hapoel kept the pressure on in the second half: Roy Korine added the fourth in the 79th minute, and Mor Bouskila completed the five-goal tally just three minutes later.
Hapoel’s next pre-season match will take place in two days, as the team is set to face Motor Lublin of Poland at 18:00.
Hapoel Lineup:
Asaf Tzur (Dor Benyamini – 46') (Sagi Pinhas – 80'),
Samuel Monfort (Shahar Piven – 46'),
Fernand Mayembo (Tal Archel – 46'),
Ziv Morgan (Or Israelov – 46'),
Doron Leidner (Yazan Nassar – 46'),
El Yam Kanzpolski (Lucas Falcao – 46'),
Roei Alcoukin (Amit Lemkin – 46'),
Ari Cohen (Ran Benyamin – 46'),
Stav Toriel (Roy Korine – 46'),
Liran Rotman (Mor Bouskila – 46'),
Anas Mahamid (Omri Altman – 46').
A graduate of the girls’ youth academy, she returns to play for the women's team: "Excited to come back home, I’m here to fulfill big dreams"
Noa Levy has signed with the club for one season, with an option for another, and will return to play for the senior team.
17-year-old Levy, who plays as a defender and midfielder, grew up in Hapoel’s youth department and spent three seasons with the club’s girls and under-19 teams. In the 2023/24 season, she was promoted to the senior squad and took part in the team’s promotion to the Premier League, making 15 appearances.
Last season, she played for Hapoel Petah Tikva.
Following her signing, Levy said: "I couldn't be more excited to come back home. Hapoel Tel Aviv is the club I grew up in, and I’m thrilled to return and play in its ranks. My last season in red ended with promotion and many joyful moments – I’m coming back aiming to repeat that, and dreaming even bigger. Yalla Hapoel!"
Welcome back and good luck, Noa!
