North Cyprus Football: The Heat Goes On, The Summer Goes On, The Football Still Goes On!
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By Richard Beale……………
We may have not received the heatwave that the UK is suffering now, but our temperatures are slowly rising and Local Football is still being played!. The amateur BTM League continues and will continue into July, when at last it reaches its finale. Then in August the semi-professionals return to training and football begins again.
I have picked out 3 matches from the BTM League which are quite close to Expat populations, if anybody is missing their football and would like to see the Locals going at it hammer and tongs against each other, come along for the experience.
All matches will be played this Saturday 24th June and all kick offs are at 5.30pm.
BTM Group 1 : TATLISU SERACILAR SK v KUMYALI SK.
Venue : Tatlısu Rauf Raıf Denktaş Stadium (the Stadium on the roundabout at Tatlısu on the main road)
This is the “match of the day” when League Leaders Kumyalı visit 2nd place Tatlısu, in a match that both teams cannot afford to lose. After this match there is only one round of matches to be played, Kumyalı are on 19 points and Tatlisu on 17 points. Tatlısu must win this match, if they do not they will miss out on the “play offs”. Earlier in the season both teams fought out a tense 0-0 draw. I expect another tight encounter, a draw will suit Kumyalı, but I think urged on by their partizan fans Tatlısu can produce a win. Expect fireworks and a great atmosphere.
BTM Group 3 : BAHÇELI SK v GÖNENDERE ŞHT SALIH KULLE SK.
Venue : Esentepe Erdal Barut Stadium.
A local “derby” between the bottom 2 clubs, so they are both playing for pride and for points to avoid the “wooden spoon”. Bahçeli have had a disappointing season, but we must remember this is their first season back in existence after having missed the previous 2 seasons, due to having no money to form a village team. It’s good to see them back, long may they continue.
BTM Group 5 : KARAOĞLANOĞLU SB v DAĞYOLU-ŞIRINEVLER SK.
Venue : Karaoğlanoğlu Orhan Dural Stadi.
Another vital and important match – this time league leaders Karaoğlanoğlu take on 3rd place Dağyolu. The leaders are 3 points in front of their opponents so it’s is a must win match for Dağyolu.
SUPPORT LOCAL FOOTBALL.
