By Nello Martineti 

Shachak Ben Shabat is experiencing a particularly joyous year in his life. The 27-year-old Israeli educator got married a few months ago, and at the 2025 WL Grand Prix, he fulfilled a dream by being named the tournament's MVP (5 Goals, 5 Assists), showcasing an unforgettable Israeli dominance. Ben Shabat has been with his team since its establishment and is the shining gem in the Israeli crown.

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Our approach", he tells us in a special interview, "is what makes us an unbeatable team. Everyone demonstrates uncompromising professionalism, and the character of each player turns us into a cohesive and unbreakable unit."

How great was this achievement for you and your team?

"That was a phenomenal achievement, defeating two such strong teams as Brazil and Hungary so convincingly, and in the very first Grand Prix held in Israel, is simply remarkable".

What is the secret of the Israeli team?

"One of the key favtors is the bond between the players. The connection begins off the court – beyond our practices, the team meets for events and social activities, which naturally translates into chemistry on the field. Even though not all players come from a competitive background, as a team we showed ourselves as completely professionals".

Seems you took very seriously the preparations of your games.
"Certainly. We respected Brazil and Hungary, before and after the games, they are great teams. I can say that our preparation was meticulous: the coaching staff, led by Oved Kraus, prepared us down to the smallest details, and the results reflected that".

How your team created such a quality football that never seen before in the World League?
"Our team trains on a weekly basis, combining structured on-field practices with social gatherings that strengthen team unity. Anyone watching our matches could clearly see a well-coordinated, cohesive, and disciplined team. This is thanks to the coaching staff, who prepare us to the highest standard every single week. Our fitness coach, Rafi Molcho, pais close attention to every detail, ensuring nothing is overlooked. As well of course, we are fortunate to have exceptionally talented players. When you add to that the chemistry and unity we’ve built on and off the court, the result is a team that feels complete".

Your coach, Oved Kraus, was elected to the Outstanding coach of the Grand Prix. What makes him so special in your eyes?
"No one is more deserving than him, since he was really the top coach in this event, maybe in whole league. Oved is a coach of the highest caliber, conducting every practice with true professionalism and delivering training sessions of outstanding quality. The impact well seen in every game of us. I have said this before, and I truly believe it: no one else could lift this team the way Oved did. Unlike other coaches I’ve worked with, Oved combines professionalism with humility. He treats players as equals, without ego – a rare and special quality. His practices are also unique, something anyone who knows him would certainly acknowledge".

Here is a curious one… Did you ever was close to lose any of your games?
"Honestly not… Some tournaments were tighter than others, but we always found the ability to make the leap forward and defeat any opponent we faced. We hold an amazing statistic".

You faced legend like Beto from Brazil and respected veterans like Kerenyi of Hungary.
"It was an immense honor to share the field with legends such as Beto and Norbert. They are players with illustrious careers, and competing against them was truly a privilege".

How do you summaries your Grand Prix?
"Reaching the top rank in the World League and winning the Grand Prix itself, here in Israel, alongside with our National anthem played – obviously when times are so hard – is a feeling beyond words. On a personal note, I am deeply grateful to have been elected MVP. It is a tremendous honor, and I owe it entirely to this team, without whom none of this would have been possible".