Soccer: Ziv, Collauti to play at Mac TA from next season

Maccabi owner Mitch Goldhar says signings part of overall plan to build the club.

By ALLON SINAI
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have had little to cheer about in recent weeks with the team failing to win in its last six Premier League matches, losing four times.
However, the supporters were given a renewed reason for optimism in the last 48 hours, with Maccabi signing Israel internationals Roberto Colautti and Yoav Ziv to three-year contracts, starting from next season.
After starring at Maccabi Haifa, the Argentinian-born Colautti, 27, joined German club Borussia Monchengladbach three years ago, but enjoyed little success.
“Colautti brings the team a lot of experience,” Tel Aviv coach Avi Nimni said. “Colautti has experience as an Israel player and in the German and Israeli leagues and will be a significant addition to the team.”
The 29-year-old Ziv joined Belgian club Lokeren from Betar Jerusalem just last January, but despite becoming an important squad player has chosen to return to Israel with a year left on his contract.
“The fact that Ziv can play on both the left and right sides of the defense will give the team some flexibility,” Nimni said. “Together with his international experience he will be a useful player for the club.”
Maccabi’s Canadian owner, Mitch Goldhar, said the signings were part of an overall plan to build the club.
“I remain committed to bringing talent, experience and a strong workethic to Maccabi Tel Aviv under the right circumstances,” Goldhar said.
“Roberto has the right attributes to assist us as we begin strengthening our team.
“Wewill continue on the path of improving every aspect of Maccabi in apatient, methodical and professional manner that will lay thefoundations for the long-term success of this outstanding organization.
“This process has already begun, and we will ensure that it will continue well into the future.”