Writer: Simon Griver

April 1, 2016
12:15 pm

Hapoel Beersheba players (in red) in action against Hapoel Afula during the semi final of the Israeli cup at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on April 29, 2015. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Sole woman owner in top-flight Israeli soccer leads against-the-odds title bid

When Alona Barkat bought Hapoel Beersheba in 2007, the club was stuck in the second tier. Now it’s headed for a first championship in 40 years. No wonder her gender has ceased to be an issue

By Simon Griver

June 15, 2014
5:44 am

Colombia's Argentinian coach Jose Pekerman (R) talks to midfielder James Rodriguez (L) during a Group C football match between Colombia and Greece at the Mineirao Arena in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, June 14, 2014 (photo credit: AFP/EITAN ABRAMOVICH)

Jose Pekerman, former Maccabi player, seeks World Cup glory

The Colombia coach, the only Jew in the finals, has beaten long odds, and anti-Semitism, throughout his career

By Simon Griver

April 12, 2012
12:38 pm

Yossi Benayoun (right) in action for Arsenal (photo credit: CC-BY Wonker/Flickr)

Will Israel’s soccer captain enjoy a glorious London twilight?

Yossi Benayoun’s latest goal might help persuade Arsenal to retain his services

By Simon Griver