While the Palestinian national soccer team currently ranks far behind at 133, according to this month’s Fifa rankings, Roberto “Tito” Bishara, a former player for Palestino and the Palestinian national team, is optimistic that the team will improve.
“I know how much they are trying to develop soccer here. I’m sure Palestine will be in a World Cup soon,” Bishara said.
Palestino hasn’t escaped controversy. In 2014, the Chilean Football Federation forced the club to alter its jersey that carried the number one in the shape of historical Palestine, including all of what is now Israel, after complaints from local Jewish organizations.
On the current visit, the team applied for a permit to cross through Israel and enter Gaza, but was denied. COGAT, the Israeli defense body responsible for issuing travel permits, did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.
While touring Jerusalem’s Old City last week, the players were also slightly startled by the sound of gunshots and the scene of soldiers running following the shooting of a Palestinian youth who stabbed and lightly wounded two Israeli police officers with a screwdriver.
“We were not surprised, it’s what we read about, but it was the first time to live the experience,” said manager Nazal.
The fast-paced match between Palestino and the Hebron all-stars team ended with a 1-1 draw.
Carrying a cardboard sign that read “Cheer for Palestine,” Muhammad Netcha, 28, found the result to his liking.
“I support both teams,” he said. “It’s a match between Palestine and Palestine.”