Israeli Liga Leumit side Hapoel Ra’anana has officially announced the signing of Sierra Leonean international midfielder Saidu Fofanah. The 28-year-old defensive specialist joins the club to bolster their midfield as they push for promotion to the top flight.

Fofanah arrives in Israel following a productive stint in the Kazakhstan Premier League with Zhetysu Taldykorgan, where he became a mainstay in the starting lineup during the 2025 season.

Fofanah’s move comes at a high point in his career, marked by consistent performances.

Related News

During his 2025 campaign with Zhetysu, Fofanah made 23 appearances, logging over 1,900 minutes. Known for his tactical discipline, he contributed four assists and maintained a high pass-completion rate in his role as a deep-lying playmaker.

Before moving abroad, Fofanah gained significant continental experience with Kallon FC in the CAF Confederation Cup, where he was recognized as one of the top midfielders in the Sierra Leonean Premier League.

Hapoel Ra’anana, which finished in the bottom half of the table last season, is actively recruiting to strengthen its roster and avoid relegation battles. The signing of Fofanah aligns with a broader trend of the club looking to African markets for cost-effective talent with high potential.

No details regarding the length of Fofanah’s contract or transfer fee were immediately disclosed by the club. He is expected to join the squad for pre-season training imminently.