Motti Kakoun (Hebrew: מוטי קקון; born 15 October 1971) is an Israeli former professional footballer who played as a forward and later became a manager. He is widely recognized for his prolific goal-scoring record in the Israeli leagues during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Playing Career
Kakoun began his senior career in the late 1980s. He became a prominent figure in Israeli football, known for his predatory instincts in front of goal.
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Club Football: Kakoun spent the majority of his playing career with various clubs across Israel's top two divisions.
- Hapoel Jerusalem: He had several stints with Hapoel Jerusalem, where he enjoyed some of his most successful periods and became a fan favorite. His goal-scoring prowess was instrumental for the club.
- Other Clubs: Kakoun also played for other notable Israeli teams, including Beitar Jerusalem, Maccabi Petah Tikva, Hapoel Ashkelon, and Bnei Sakhnin, among others.
- Highlights: Throughout his career, he was consistently among the top goal-scorers in the leagues he played in, often exceeding double-digit goal tallies in a season.
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International Career: Despite his success at the club level, Kakoun did not earn any caps for the Israel national football team.
Managerial Career
After retiring as a player, Kakoun transitioned into coaching and management, primarily working with clubs in the lower divisions of Israeli football.
- Early Roles: He started his managerial career, often taking on roles with teams in Liga Leumit (second division) and Liga Alef (third division).
- Clubs Managed (examples): His managerial stints have included clubs such as Hapoel Bnei Lod and an assistant coaching role at Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem. His coaching career has been focused on developing players and striving for promotion with his teams.
Legacy
Motti Kakoun is remembered as one of the most consistent and effective strikers in Israeli football during his playing era. His dedication to the sport continued into his managerial career, where he has sought to impart his knowledge and experience to new generations of players.