Hapoel Emek HaYarden Launches European Campaign in Conference League Qualifiers
Hapoel Emek HaYarden women's water polo team arrives in Greece for the Conference League qualifiers as Israel's sole European representative, aiming for a spot in the round of 16.
Hapoel Emek HaYarden women's water polo team is heading to Greece to launch its third consecutive European campaign in the Conference League qualifiers, serving as Israel's sole representative in European competitions this season.
The tournament features four games in four days. Emek HaYarden will open its campaign on Thursday against Germany's Bochum, followed by matches against France's Toulon on Friday, Serbia's Palilula on Saturday, and tournament hosts Panionios on Sunday. Three out of the five teams in the group will secure a spot in the round of 16.
Head coach Or Gil emphasized the team's high ambitions: "The goal is to go as far as possible. We want to keep progressing year after year, gathering experience and turning it into achievements." To prepare for the challenge, the squad held a rigorous training camp in Hungary, playing friendly matches against elite opponents including Dunaújváros and Alba Fehérvár.
The roster relies on an experienced Israeli core alongside foreign reinforcements, including captain Dasha Weisberg and Vlada Bardykina. Key Israeli players feature Mika Koren, who recently scored 15 goals in a single domestic match, and veteran Tva Dorfman entering her tenth consecutive season with the club.
Water Polo Association Chair Rona Freund Amizour praised the club's milestone achievement, highlighting its importance for the development of the sport. CEO Dana Tartatski Gatou also commended the professional backing provided by the Emek HaYarden Regional Council, which ensures professional salaries and housing for adult players.
