Everyone is waiting today for this match – it’s going to be actually an interesting match because it’s the second match we have seen from the West Bank and a team from Gaza since 15 years
After being delayed indefinitely by Israel’s Shin Bet authorities, the Palestinian Super Cup is finally a go.
The soccer final is set take place on Tuesday afternoon in Hebron. The match was originally scheduled for Saturday, but was postponed when Israeli security personnel blocked six players from Gaza from entering the country.
“They don’t usually mention why,” said sports journalist Muhannad Qafesha to Palestine Monitor. “They always don’t say the reason – they say 'for security reasons’ that you are not allowed to enter.”
The six players were finally permitted into Israel for their journey to Hebron on Monday. According to Ha’aretz, the Shin Bet did not explain why they changed their minds.
The sudden change of heart “proves that from the beginning there was no justified reason other than the desire to trip up and be cruel to the players,” said the Palestinian Football Association chairman Jibril Rajoub.
The game will see the West Bank cup holders pitted against the Gaza cup holders. The victory will be awarded the opportunity to compete in a tournament in Asia.
“Everyone is waiting today for this match – it’s going to be actually an interesting match because it’s the second match we have seen from the West Bank and a team from Gaza since 15 years,” Qafesha said.
Palestinian sports are often negatively impacted by the occupation.
“It’s actually a big effect because the Palestinian players can’t move as freely outside Palestine,” he said.
According to Qafesha, teams are sometimes unable to meet to prepare for future games, and players can be subject to arrests.
Despite the negative impacts of the occupation, Qafesha is optimistic about today’s game.
“It’s going to be a big celebration today … It’s going to be a very good match, and very important.”
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