Haifa land South American duo
Friday, July 22, 2005
Article summary
Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa FC have signed two South American players in Rafael Olarra and Víctor Ormazábal.
Article body
International pedigree
Haifa have snapped up Chile captain Rafael Olarra from CD Universidad Católica on a two-year deal. The 27-year-old has 24 international caps and appeared at the 2004 Olympic Games. The former CA Osasuna and CA Independiente defender should bolster Maccabi's back line following 21-year-old Wescley Gonçalves's departure on loan to South Korean outfit Chunnam Dragons.
Boca midfield colt
The Israelis have also recruited 20-year-old midfielder Víctor Ormazábal from CA Boca Juniors. The Argentinian, who played 19 times for the Buenos Aires side, will link up with compatriot and former team-mate Roberto Colautti in the engine room.
South American quintet
The pair's arrival increases Haifa's South American contingent to five, with Brazilians Xavier Dirceu and Gustavo Boccoli also on the club's books.
