Tabak, Benny 'F-15'

Tabak was one of the great natural scorers in the annals of Israeli soccer. He received his nickname for his incredible speed and for the number he wore on his back. He is touted as a future coach.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
Tabak, who moved from Hapoel Nes Ziona to Maccabi Tel Aviv at the age of 14, had a watershed year during the 1976-77 season. A striker, Benny helped his club win the Israel League and State Cup "double," and scored the winning goal in the Cup final. The goal turned Benny into a superstar.

The 1978-79 season saw another title for Maccabi but the idyllic 1970s turned into the 1980s, a terrible period for the club. Tabak wanted to leave for Europe, but the management refused to let him go. He was constantly benched and his immense talent was wasted. In 1987, Maccabi won the State Cup and Tabak began to blossom yet again. Two years later, during the 1988-89 season, Tabak was the league's leading scorer for the first time in his career, with 18 goals.

Benny also enjoyed tremendous success on the Israeli national team. He once scored four goals in one game when Israel beat Liverpool and he scored a hat trick (three goals) against Portugal. Tabak coached the Israeli youth team for several years and then revived the Kiryat Shmona soccer program.

Origin:
Nes Ziona, Israel

Position:
Striker

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