- July 1, 2025
- 7:47 pm
- Ukraine
Israeli coach Ori David, holder of a UEFA PRO diploma, has become an assistant coach at Ukrainian club Kryvbas. His appointment marks an important step in strengthening sports and cultural ties between Israel and Ukraine.
Israeli coach Ori David joins Kryvbas as assistant to Patrick van Leeuwen
The press service of Ukrainian football club Kryvbas announced on June 29, 2025: Israeli specialist Ori David, who holds a top-level UEFA PRO coaching license, has been officially introduced as the assistant to the head coach of Kryvbas. The 46-year-old’s appointment is a continuation of his collaboration with Patrick van Leeuwen, with whom he previously worked in both Israel and Ukraine.
Who is Ori David?
- Citizenship: Israel
- Date of birth: December 18, 1978
- Education and license: UEFA Pro (highest category)
- Experience: since 2008 in top clubs in Israel and Ukraine
Israeli coach Ori David joins Ukrainian football club Kryvbas — NAnews, Israel news, July 1, 2025
Career
| Period | Club / Role | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2021 | Maccabi Tel Aviv Academy, coach | Israel |
| 2021–2022 | Maccabi U‑19 Tel Aviv, coach | Israel |
| 2022–2023 | Hapoel U‑19 Be’er Sheva, coach | Israel |
| 2023–2024 | Maccabi U‑19 Jaffa, sporting director | Israel |
| 2024 | Maccabi Jaffa, coach | Israel |
| 2024–2025 | Maccabi U‑19 Jaffa, sporting director | Israel |
| 2025 | Metalist 1925 Kharkiv, assistant | Ukraine |
| from July 2025 | Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, assistant | Ukraine |
Work in Ukraine
Before joining Kryvbas, Ori David worked in Kharkiv at Metalist 1925, where he was already part of the coaching staff led by Patrick van Leeuwen. This move is a logical continuation of his career and a strengthening of ties with Ukrainian football.
Kryvbas Club: tradition, history, and revival
Kryvbas is a Ukrainian football club from Kryvyi Rih, founded in 1959 at the Dzherzhynsky mine, the oldest in the city. After self-liquidation in 2013, the club was revived and has played in the Ukrainian Premier League again since 2022.
Club achievements
| Tournament | Result |
|---|---|
| Ukrainian SSR Championship | Champion (4): 1971, 1972, 1976, 1981 Bronze (1): 1974 |
| Ukrainian Premier League | Bronze (3): 1998/99, 1999/00, 2023/24 |
| First League | Group B winner: 1992 |
| Second League | Group B bronze: 2020/21 |
| Ukrainian SSR Cup | Finalist: 1970 |
| Ukrainian Cup | Finalist: 1999/00 Semifinalist: 1997/98, 2004/05 |
NAnews — Israel News notes that inviting international specialists is part of the club’s strategy to modernize and rebuild, opening new perspectives while honoring its legacy.
Why is this important for Israel and Ukraine?
- Symbol of unity: The appointment of an Israeli coach is a step toward cultural and sporting convergence.
- Shared goals: Both countries aim to modernize football infrastructure and focus on youth development.
- Message to the Jewish diaspora: These sports collaborations reflect a living connection between nations and communities.
Club quote
“FC Kryvbas welcomes the new specialist to our big red-and-white family,” the club’s press service announced.
Ori David is an experienced Israeli coach with a UEFA PRO diploma who joined Kryvbas’ coaching staff in July 2025.
His arrival symbolizes a growing international connection and deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Israel in the sports arena.
NAnews — Israel News continues to follow how these “sports bridges” form a lasting foundation for intergovernmental and cultural dialogue.
