Eli Tabib surely smiles when he watches the media circus every time Maccabi Tel Aviv owner Alex Shnaider comes to Israel. The Hapoel Kfar Sava owner has worked for 12 years out of his Miami home, and only visits here occasionally. However, in contrast to Maccabi Tel Aviv's Shnaider, he keeps up on every detail. Even a minor incident like an injury to Avihai Yadin reaches him in a matter of minutes.
"I see a mission on behalf of the Kfar Sava's youth," he says. "Many laughed when I bought Hapoel Kfar Sava, but meanwhile so much time has passed, and several club owners have left, fled or fallen apart." Indeed, Tabib has prevailed, even surviving the protracted legal battle he fought and recently won handily against the city over team ownership. "I'm the only person they called on to buy the team and not the other way around," he insists. "When Hapoel Kfar Sava went under financially, they approached me as a fan and asked me to save them. To buy the team was not my dream."
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Recent updates from his associates in Israel are dour. Kfar Sava lost Saturday 3-1 to Ashdod S.C. and got entangled at the bottom of the league table, just six points above the relegation zone. Tabib is certain coach Eli Ohana's offensive style of play, which some call irresponsible, will pay off.
"We have great stuff. We won't be relegated, and we won't compete at the bottom," he said. "I sit in a cafe in Miami, enjoy the view and am not bothered at all. Eli Ohana didn't get some irritated phone call from me. He also won't change strategy because of the current situation."
Despite its current struggles, the team still dreams of a trophy. Ironi Rishon Letzion gave Kfar Sava a tough time in the round of 16 of the State Cup, but Kfar Sava prevailed 5-4 on a last-minute goal. It derw Beitar for next week's quarterfinal match. "I didn't fall off my chair when they informed me we'd play Beitar," recalls Tabib. "I didn't get excited, and I didn't take it as bad news. We can win. I want to make it to Europe via the Cup."
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