Israeli striker Ben Azubel ready for Glory
While Tomer Hemed has returned to Israel after playing for Wellington and Western Sydney, the presence of another Israeli striker in the A-League Men will continue, through new Perth Glory recruit Ben Azubel.
The 1.93m tall, 29-year-old arrived in Perth two months ago on a two-year contract, joining a squad that includes 20-year-old central defender and Jewish local, Jacob Muir, who played five A-League games at the end of last season.
Azubel – who has scored 43 goals playing in Israel’s top and second division leagues – told The AJN last week he is looking forward to round one, when the Glory face the Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium from 3pm on October 9.
“My teammates told me about playing the Sydney teams, about the Wanderers’ stadium, and the great atmosphere there – and that sounds very good to me,” Azubel said.
“My agent recommended the A-League, and Tomer [Hemed] told me a lot of good things about it and about Australia.
“I had a very good season in Israel last year, but most of my life I’ve been in Israel, so I was looking for a new adventure.
“Another reason I came is the A-League has the same style of football as in Israel, so I think it will suit me, as I’m tall and strong, and I have good speed and technique.”
Azubel attended a team training camp in the Gold Coast and scored 2 goals in the Glory’s final pre-season match – a 6-0 victory over Western Australia.
“I already have a lot of good things to say about the Perth Glory club, my teammates, the head coach [Ruben Zadkovich], and the staff,” he added.
“The players helped me to settle in and now it’s my time to shine.
“I want to score goals, help my team, make the Perth fans happy, and of course, we’d love to win the trophy.”
Azubel said he is also keen to meet more of Perth’s Jewish community.
“I met one Jewish family in Perth that Tomer introduced me to, and my wife [Romi] and I often go to their home on Friday nights and do kiddush.
“And it’s always nice when you have something in common with someone [Jacob Muir] in the team – sharing the same religion and background.”
For their part, the Wanderers have a Jewish player from this season in 20-year-old attacking midfielder Zac Sapsford, who signed a three-year contract.
The former Hakoah FC junior, who will aim to gain some match time in his first A-League season, scored 7 goals in 12 games for Sydney FC playing in last year’s NSW National Premier League.
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