Dudu Aouate
Dudu Aouate (born 1977) is an Israeli association football (soccer) player. He plays as a goalkeeper.
began his career with Hapoel Nazareth F.C., but moved to Maccabi Haifa F.C. at an early age and was put behind Nir Davidovich as the leading goalkeeping choice at the club. Wanting first team football, Awat moved to Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC, but was again underplayed. He then transfered to Hapoel Haifa F.C., having been assured that he would be the club's first choice goalkeeper, but he again found himself struggling to establish himself as such. Early in the 1998-99 season, however, the regular goalkeeper, Avi Peretz was injured and Awat took his place. Hapoel won the championship that year and Dudu was praised for his performances. By the time Peretz recovered, Awat was irreplacable.
His performances for Hapoel Haifa F.C. meant that Awat was called up to the Israel national football team in ????. In 2002, Awat returned to Maccabi Haifa as a cover for another seriously injured player. They won the championship, and Awat established himself as their natural first choice. Awat also gained increasing recognition after performing fabulously for the national team, and was soon considered by many the leading goalkeeper in the country.
During the 2002-03 season, Awat was goalie for Maccabi Haifa as they played in the UEFA Champions League, the first time an Israeli squad made it to the group stage of the competition. Haifa finished in third place in their group following an historic victory over powerhouse Manchester United F.C. (albeit an understrength side, the English club having already achieved qualification). In the Israel League, Haifa finished the season in second place. Awat's solid performances earned him a move to European football, with Spanish club Racing de Santander signing him on July 17, 2003.