Shai Biruk
Encyclopedia
Shai Biruk is an Israel
i football (soccer)
player of Ethiopian Jewish descent. He moved to Israel at the age of six with his family. While playing for the Israeli youth academy, Beitar Nes Tubruk
his footballing talent was noticed by scouts from the Dutch football club Ajax
.
only to come back to Israel six months later citing homesickness. During his time at Ajax, he met a fellow Jewish Israeli footballer named Daniël de Ridder
and was the first to report on Ajax having a Jewish Israeli on their books to the Israel Football Association.
He was the subject of a short tug of war between Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax Amsterdam
and Maccabi Haifa FC. He decided to commit to Haifa and joined their youth team before making a call up to the full side about two seasons later. After three years in the full side, his contract was not renewed so he left on a free transfer. On August 21, 2006 he agreed to a one year deal with Maccabi Netanya
.
In the start of 2008 he moved to Hapoel Be'er Sheva
.
In July 2008 Biruk moved to Hapoel Bnei Lod where he last played football professionally, though he has never announced retirement.
As of June 2, 2010 Biruk is on trial with FC Thun
. After a trial that lasted 4 months he is due to sign a contract with the club in January 2011, but in the end he sigend for Hapoel Ashkelon
.
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
i football (soccer)
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
player of Ethiopian Jewish descent. He moved to Israel at the age of six with his family. While playing for the Israeli youth academy, Beitar Nes Tubruk
Beitar Nes Tubruk
Beitar Nes Tubruk Netanya , formerly Beitar Netanya, is a football club in Netanya, Israel. The club is one of the most successful youth academies in the country, competing in youth competitions at all age levels.....
his footballing talent was noticed by scouts from the Dutch football club Ajax
Ajax Amsterdam
Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax , also referred to as AFC Ajax, Ajax Amsterdam or simply Ajax , is a professional football club from Amsterdam, Netherlands...
.
Career
Biruk accepted an offer to join the youth system in AmsterdamAmsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
only to come back to Israel six months later citing homesickness. During his time at Ajax, he met a fellow Jewish Israeli footballer named Daniël de Ridder
Daniël de Ridder
Daniël Robin Frederick de Ridder is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for Grasshopper Club Zürich. He has previously played for Ajax, Celta Vigo, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic as a forward, winger or attacking midfielder....
and was the first to report on Ajax having a Jewish Israeli on their books to the Israel Football Association.
He was the subject of a short tug of war between Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax Amsterdam
Ajax Amsterdam
Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax , also referred to as AFC Ajax, Ajax Amsterdam or simply Ajax , is a professional football club from Amsterdam, Netherlands...
and Maccabi Haifa FC. He decided to commit to Haifa and joined their youth team before making a call up to the full side about two seasons later. After three years in the full side, his contract was not renewed so he left on a free transfer. On August 21, 2006 he agreed to a one year deal with Maccabi Netanya
Maccabi Netanya
Maccabi Netanya F.C. is an Israeli football club based in Netanya. Established in 1934, the club were founding members of the Israeli League in 1949. After winning their first championship in 1970, the club's golden period lasted until the late 1980s, including four more league titles and a double...
.
In the start of 2008 he moved to Hapoel Be'er Sheva
Hapoel Be'er Sheva
Hapoel Be'er Sheva Football Club is an Israeli football club based in Beersheba. The club is currently in the Israeli Premier League and plays home matches at the Vasermil Stadium.-History:...
.
In July 2008 Biruk moved to Hapoel Bnei Lod where he last played football professionally, though he has never announced retirement.
As of June 2, 2010 Biruk is on trial with FC Thun
FC Thun
FC Thun 1898 is a Swiss football team from the Bernese Oberland town of Thun. The club currently plays in the Swiss Super League after being promoted in the 2009/10 season. The club plays at the Arena Thun which accommodates a total of 10,300 supporters, both seated and standing...
. After a trial that lasted 4 months he is due to sign a contract with the club in January 2011, but in the end he sigend for Hapoel Ashkelon
Hapoel Ashkelon
Hapoel Ashkelon F.C. is an Israeli football club based in Ashkelon. The club is currently in Liga Leumit and plays at the 10,000-capacity Sala Stadium.-History:...
.
Honours
- Israeli Premier League:
- Winner (3): 2003–04, 2004-05, 2005-06
- Runner-up (1): 2006-07