Abuksis, Yossi

Yossef Abuksis

Abuksis is a veteran midfield battler known for his combination of aggressive tackling and sublime creative capabilities.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. September 10, 1970

Career Highlights:
Yossi was a product of the Hapoel Tel Aviv youth system. Considered Moshe Sinai's heir apparent by the organization, he also played 10 times for the Israel under-21 team. Ironically, it was the very same Sinai who stunted Yossi's growth as a player by refusing to give the youngster a fair shot when he was Hapoel's manager.

Yossi left in order to find first team action. He enjoyed a fruitful tenure at B'nei Yehuda, but had a less enjoyable time at Zafririm Holon on loan from Tel Aviv. The Reds finally sold him to Betar Jerusalem at the start of the 1994-95 season. Betar's coach Eli Cohen believed in the defensive midfielder and turned him into a regular. Betar had a marvelous team in 1995-96, starring Eli Ohana and Itzhik Zohar, plus the Hungarian duo of Stefan Shaloi and Istvan Pishont. They won the title with style and Abuksis was finally acknowledged as a star.

It was the 1996-97 season, however, that saw Abuksis really come into his own. Betar won another title but this time, Abuksis was the driving force behind the triumph. He was voted "Player of the Year" and was called up to the Israeli national team. Over the coming years, Betar reached the Israel Cup final twice, but suffered many management problems, and lost its status as one of the top teams in the country. Yossi continued to star for the side and appear for Israel but he could not lead the beleaguered team to any titles. Finally he decided to leave the sinking ship and sign for his home team, Hapoel Tel Aviv. The public outcry in Jerusalem did nothing to change his mind.

Hapoel were coming off a magnificent league and cup double and the team's manager Dror Kashtan decided to strengthen the midfield with Abuksis. Yossi added the necessary grit as Hapoel reached their greatest achievement yet. Hapoel eliminated Chelsea, Parma, and Lokomotiv Moscow before falling to A.C Milan in the quarterfinals of the 2001-02 UEFA Cup. Abuksis was without a doubt, the best player in Israel's European and domestic campaigns. He scored six goals and made seven assists as Hapoel finished second.

In the Israel League, Yossi played for Hapoel Tel Aviv during the 2002-03 season. Although they finished in third place, Hapoel was deep in the championship race all year thanks to Abuksis's fine form. Yossi scored three goals while registering a career high seven assists.

After the 2002-03 season ended, Yossi moved to S.C Ashdod during the off season. Abuksis spent the first half of the season with Ashdod, who began sinking like an over-paid rock. The defensive midfielder rejoined Hapoel Tel-Aviv and will anchor the team in the 2004-05 campaign as well. His form dipped quite dramatically last season, and Hapoel will hope for an indian summer from the player.

Origin:
Tel Aviv, Israel

Position:
Defensive midfielder

Physical description:
5"8

Career Statistics:
35 caps/ 3 goals

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