call him up, introduce him to the U-23 squad, play against the Colombians. With his CL experience he might be a good addition to the team for the playoffs against Colombia.
Kenny's full comments in Israeli media: Saif added: "At least in the United States appreciates me. I have not decided if that's what I want, I'm serious dilemma. I consulted with my mother. In two weeks I will come to Israel for winter holidays. I sit down with my family and I will see what happens. But as of now it looks like my best option, because the Israeli national team no one talked to me at all. "I've been two years in Belgium, never came to see the game. That says it all. Not even a phone accept it. I play champion Belgium, the Champions League, I expect interest and nothing. Though makes the team did not come, I do not know what to do. Players even ask me why not invite me. But coach and decisions and through and each one has cast his favorite. Always my heart was with the team. I will always want her to win. It's my dream to play in the World Cup. If the team would like me would not think twice, but it not the case. When you love someone, but the other side look down on you .... what can I say. " So it looks like Israel was his first choice. https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=iw&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http://www.sport5.co.il/HTML/Articles/Article.3075.201845.html&edit-text=&act=url
Would love to see him on board but he'd be wise to wait a couple months to file that permanent switch. He can probably hold off on it til February or maybe even early March and still be good for our qualifiers. It'd be kinda dumb to do it now when it's not needed and you're angry. Granted the timing could also just be a wink and nudge to Israel. I guess we'll find it out in a month or 2
I was trying to remember who else pulled a "if you don't tell me you love me, I'm going to join the States" and then got capped by his "first love." Isaac Brizuela Tyler Boyd Any other recent ones?
Darren Randolph gave an interview a couple years ago pointing out he could play for the United States, and then started getting Ireland call ups pretty quickly afterwards.
This would be sick for the olypim I'm no DMN but I'm pretty sure there was an Australian kid, but I could just be thinking of Tyler Boyd. But I think this kid plays in England now. Inversely though, players try to do this to the USMNT all the time. Like the Finlay being Canadian thing, and Matt Hedges being Canadian thing. Juergen only falls for the Mexican and the Europeans though. Like retrospectively, did we really think Ventura Alvarado would get a Mexico cap?
I'm finding info that states the opposite: The Israeli Druze community is the only major non-Jewish group in the state whose sons are required to serve in the IDF. http://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp464.htm Druze and Circassian men are subject to mandatory conscription to the IDF. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IDF_Sword_Battalion Reda Mansour a Druze poet, historian and diplomat, explained: "We are the only non-Jewish minority that is drafted into the military, and we have an even higher percentage in the combat units and as officers than the Jewish members themselves. So we are considered a very nationalistic, patriotic community." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druze_in_Israel#Military_service_and_public_office
If he didn't, reports seem to indicate Israel will never cap him. It's 3 years in length, but it sounds like pro athletes can work it around their schedules. He was in Israel until age 20 (though he also spent time in Germany), so he may have gotten most of it out of the way, but that's speculation on my part.
I know sometimes Israeli celebrities manage to get out of doing military service, like Bar Rafaeli for example, although it's quite frowned upon by much of Israeli society. But are there cases of athletes evading it and then being shunned by the national sports programs for it? Anyway, maybe @bshredder can ask Saief about this issue when he talks with him again.
Because there is some speculation that it might have some bearing on Israel calling him up to the full team.
I doubt the Israeli national team cares whether he served in their army or not. Other Israeli national team players like Roberto Colautti, Toto Tammuz, and Gai Assulin never served in the IDF (to my understanding). Ben Sahar only had to do "nominal" service, showing up at a base while on vacation in Israel (see his Wiki page). There are a lot of non-jews who have played for the national team - Bibras Natkho, Beram Kayal, Moanes Dabour, Walid Badir, Abbas Suan, etc.
Saief is playing right now as a starter in Gent's league game away to Sint Truiden: http://www.kaagent.be/supporter/wed...eague-2015-2016/19/sint-truiden/kaa-gent/live
He went 90 minutes in a 2-0 win: http://www.kaagent.be/supporter/wed...gue-2015-2016/19/sint-truiden/kaa-gent/digest
Good question. It would also be nice to get an opinion on him from someone who regularly follows the Belgian league. Maybe @Belgian guy could provide some perspective?
Selectie @KAAGent voor bekerduel #GntKVM. Geen @Coulibaly_07, hij liet een tand trekken. pic.twitter.com/A4HjfYX9ub— Jonas Van De Veire (@Jonasvdv_) December 15, 2015 In the squad for a cup match.
@bshredder spoke with Saief about last week's news. http://americansoccernow.com/articles/kenny-saief-contemplating-switching-from-israel-to-u-s
I don't like the "mercenary" attitude, but I think he could really add something to the program. He's a good player, quick, good on the ball, incisive. We need more players like that.