Seven Hakoah teams play in Sydney futsal semis
AFTER a shorter than usual Sydney summer futsal season, seven Hakoah Futsal Club teams featured in last weekend’s semis.
In the junior competition, Hakoah’s U8, U9 and U10 boys’ teams bowed out, defeated by strong Futsal Premier League clubs, but their U13 boys’ side progressed.
Hakoah’s U11, U12 and U13 girls’ teams all advanced to the grand finals, playing exceptionally well in the semis and throughout the regular season – in no small part due to the excellent coaching at training sessions by Toni Sharp.
In the U15s to adults semi-final matches, there were mixed results for Hakoah.
Their U15 girls’ team, ably led by Samra Chiert and Emma Rosenberg, played a Mountain Majik team consisting of Football NSW Institute and junior Matildas players.
Whilst they were tenacious, a Hakoah upset victory was not to be.
The club’s U17 girls’ side also faced a strong team in Quake, and although their semi was close, they bowed out too.
Hakoah’s women’s team dominated for most of their game against Quake, marshalled at the back by Toni Sharp. But a brilliant performance by Quake’s goalkeeper and two crucial mistakes by Hakoah that led to Quake goals saw them exit the tournament.
The club’s U16 boys’ team – led by Elad Ben David, Julian Shalome and rising young star Coby New – proved too good for Mountain Majik, and booked themselves a grand final spot.
Hakoah’s youth men’s futsal team is one of the best in Australia, featuring players who have played the sport since they were 12.
The squad, which includes Jared Frack, Noah Felich and Adam Strasser, easily accounted for Mountain Majik, and also progressed.
In the men’s semis, Hakoah was led by their experienced captain – and coach for the day – Robbie Ezekiel.
They were up against a Dural side nicknamed ‘The Duralroos’, due to having many national team members.
During the regular season, the Hakoah men had defeated Dural fairly easily, and also had a draw against them.
Unfortunately for Hakoah, nothing went their way in the semis, and they lost a close contest by 2-3.
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