By Can Gazi……. Joining me in the Bayrak studio this week is enigmatic psychotherapist D. U. Sivri. Sivri is back on A Cup Of Conversation to talk about his latest book “The Secrets Of Love And Attraction”.
By Engin Dervişağa…….. For this Vox Pop show, I went along to to the Girne home of Danish Afridi who came to Northern Cyprus in 2003 from Pakistan. He studied for a degree in Business Management at Girne American University where he graduated in 2006 and obtained a further degree in 2015 and currently works as the […]
By Engin Dervişağa……. By popular demand, I am delighted together with my colleague Qossay Eleyan to bring you a repeat of the interesting report on “Discovering North Cyprus” about the British Law Courts in Lefkosa.
Turkish Republic Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has said that the TRNC’s current international embargoes cannot continue forever, and there will be different processes after today.
Last weekend 15/16th July in scorching hot conditions the final matches of the BTM league were played. With all of the Supa League Clubs and most of League 1 clubs now returning to training as football in Cyprus despite the heat is now an all round year game.
BTM League Play Off Final.
Saturday July 15th – Venue : Değirmenlik Sadik Cemil Stadı.
Result : GÖRNEÇ SK 2 AKINCILAR/ VADILI 0.
Scorers : Abdullah (55), Arda (90).
Görneç prolific scorer Arda scored his 21st goal in 12 matches as Görneç reclaimed their League 1 place after being relegated in 2015-16 season.
GÖRNEÇ players celebrating
BTM League Play Off Final.
Sunday July 16th – Venue : Gazimagusa Canbulat Stadi
Last weekend the BTM play offs were held with results as follows :
Kumyalı 0 Yıldrım 5
Çanakkale 4 Ortaköy 1
Akıncılar/Vadılı 4 Açay 0
Görneç 2 Yılmanköy 1
Kumyalı players celebratıng and rıght actıon from Akıncılar- Akçay matchGörneç players celebalatıng and rıght actıon from Çanakkale- Ortaköy match
Photographs : Kani Aldağ-Eren şışık-Burhan Gürkan- Yenidüzen and Kıbrıs Gazetesi
PLAY OFF FINAL DRAW.
Akıncılar/Vadılı v Görneç
Yıldrım v Çanakkale
Matches to be played on Saturday July 15th.
The winners of both matches will be automatically promoted to the K-Pet League 1 (The League that Esentepe play ).
On a lighter note the “pride of the West Country” Bristol Rovers produced a world class performance winning away 6-1 against the “mighty “ Melksham Town in their first friendly match of the season. Come on you the Gas. UTG !.
Despite the scorching heat and soaring temperatures our local footballers continue to try to entertain us. The last round of League matches have been played and the “play offs” for the lucky teams will be held over the next two weekends. And thus in the middle of July the local football season will eventually finish !.
Our 2 teams in the Esentepe area, Bahçeli and Tatlısu had mixed fortunes.
BTM Group 1 :
Result : YEDIKONUK SK 1 TATLISU SERACILLAR SK 4
Match played on Sunday 4th July at Neutral venue Maraş Stadi.
This match was switched to a neutral venue at the last minute, due to the riot that took place between these 2 teams a month ago. Tatlısu needed to win and hoped that leaders Kumyalı would slip up at home against Yeni Erenköy/Yesilköy.
In the end a much changed Tatlısu did the business , but unfortunately for them Kumyali won their final match 1-0 to go through to the quarter finals.
Group winners Gorneç hammered Bahçeli to go through to the quarter finals. Gorneç’s burly striker ARDA scored all 6 goals for the home team. Cemre scored a consolation goal for Bahçeli.
THANK YOU TO ALL PLAYERS OF BOTH TATLISU AND BAHÇELI FOR PROVIDING US WITH EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT DURING THE SUMMER.
The seven group winners will now go through to the quarter finals (Kumyalı, Çanakale, Ortaköy, Akincilar/Vadili, Akçay, Gorneç and Yilmanköy. The 8th team is Yildirim being the highest 2nd place team based on points
QUARTER FINAL DRAW :
Kumyalı v Yildirim (Maraş Stadi, Famagüsta.)
Çanakale v Ortaköy ( Değirmenlik Sadik Cemil Stadi).
Akincilar/Vadili v Akçay (Karaoğlanoğlu Orhan Dural Stadi)..
Gorneç v Yilmanköy (Ortaköy Stadi).
All matches will be played on Saturday July 8th kick off 5.30pm.
Saturday 24th June : BTM League Group 1 : Venue : Tatlısu Rauf Raıf Denktaş Stadium.
By Richard Beale………..
The meeting of League leaders Kumyalı and second place Tatlısu predictably ended in a draw, which suited Kumyalı who continue to lead the table by 2 points. With the last round of matches to be played next week, the advantage remains with Kumyalı.
Tatlısu needed to win this match, they took a first half lead but gave away a sloppy goal just before the interval and were unable to breach the leaders defence again in the second half.A large crowd filled the only stand on a hot sunny afternoon with the visitors bringing with them decent support.
Tatlısu almost opened the scoring in the first minute when a cross from the right found Hakan who got in a header which saw the Kumyalı keeper Edim dive and push the ball behind for a corner. From the corner a shot came in from outside the area which clipped the Kumyalı cross bar.
Tatlısu deservedly took the lead in the 26th minute when Hakan on the left got in a shot which was parried by keeper Edim straight into the path of Tatlısu’s leading goalscorer IBRAHIM ÇELIK who had the simple task to prod the ball over the line.1-0
photographs by Richard Beale of Ibrahım Celik the striker being squeezer off the ball
Tatlısu were much the better team with midfielders Kubılay and Turgay battling away in midfield.Out of the blue a minute before the break Tatlısu gave away a silly goal. From a Emre free kick Tatlısu keeper Hasan made a “pigs ear” of catching the tame kick, the ball squirmed out of his grasp hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play. An almighty goalmouth scramble resulted in Tatlısu giving away a penalty which was converted by UGUR. Half -Time 1-1.
photographs by Richard Beale
Tatlısu came close to scoring early in the second half following a Tansu free kick, which just went past the post, with both Ibrahim and keeper Edim trying to get to the ball.
73 minutes Tatlısu had a good shout for a penalty turned down, when Ibrahim did well to create room for himself and put in a shot which keeper Edim palmed away . The ball came to Kubılay who appeared to have his legs taken away from him, just when he was preparing to shoot, but the referee waved aside Tatlısu appeals for a penalty.
In the final 10 minutes the game really opened up with Kumyalı having 2 goals disallowed for offside . In between that Tatlısu played out the final 5 minutes with 10 men when striker Ibrahim completely lost his head, climbing over the fence to confront someone who was shouting abuse at him and sadly letting his teammates down and getting himself sent off. Full Time: 1-1
SUMMING UP : Tatlısu only have themselves to blame in a match they needed to win, they were strangely reluctant to push players forward to support Ibrahim. The Tatlısu striker had often 3 defenders around him and was quickly closed down. Tatlısu defence were tight and gave little opportunity to the Kumyalı forwards. The midfield powerhouses Kubılay and Turgay were outstanding despite the heat. Both players would make useful acquisitions to higher League teams. (ie Esentepe)
Photographs by Richard Beale.
TATLISU TEAM : Hasan (gk) : Tansu, Mustafa, Barış, Koray (Özal 65) : Ümit, KUBILAY, Turgay, Talha (Serkan 60) : Hakan (Soner 80), Ibrahim :
Man of the Match : Tatlisu’s Kubilay– was everywhere trying to prompt his teammates.
BTM GROUP 3 TABLE (top 3).
1/ Kumyalı 20 points + 3 goal advantage.
2/ Tatlısu 18 points + 8 goal advantage,
3/ Karadeniz 17 points +13 goal advantage.
With one match to play Kumyalı are at home to lowly Yeni Erenköy/ Yesilköy all they need to do is avoid defeat.
Tatlısu must win away to Yedikonuk and hope Kumyalı lose to have any chance of reaching the “play offs”.
Karadeniz will finish on 20 points, as their final match against Ergazı will be awarded 3-0 too Karadeniz as Ergazi have withdrawn from the League. So again Karadeniz will be hoping for a Kumyalı slip up in their last match.
OTHER FEATURED RESULTS IN BTM LEAGUE :
Group 3 : BAHÇELI 3 GÖNENDERE ŞHT SALIH KULLE SK 1
The bottom of the table clash ended in a comfortable Bahçeli win and they are now 4th in their group. Bahceli scorers : Emrah (20), Cemre (67), Soner (74) with Ridvan (89) netting for the visitors.
Group 5 : KARAOĞLANOĞLU 0 DAĞYOLU-SIRINVELER SK 5
The then League leaders Karaoğlanoğlu messed it up for themselves in this hammering dished out by Dağyolu. There are now 3 teams on 16 points with one match lef to play.
BTM GROUP 5 TABLE. (top 3)
1/ Yilmanköy 16 points + 14 goal advantage.
2/ Dağyolu- Sir 16 points + 6 goal advantage.
3/ Karaoğlan’lu 16 points + 5 goal advantage.
Next Sunday Dağyolu-Sirinveler clash with Yilmanköy in the “ match of the day’while Karaoğlanoğlu are away to lowly Ağırdağ . So it this group there is all to play for as the football season continues to go on in the searing heat.
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.
Result : KKTC (TRNC)1PADANIA1(After 90 mins, Padania win 3-5 on penalties).
Winners Padania lifting the Cup – Photograhs : Courtesy of Mustafa Evliya/ Ferah Barışsev Kıbrıs and Diyalog Newspapers.
Hosts Northern Cyprus suffered heartache as they were beaten in a penalty shoot out against Italian regional Club Padania.
By Richard Beale………..
CONIFA (The Confederation of Independent Football Association) is the governing body of Non FIFA Affiliated Associations. The TRNC (KKTC) has played host to this competition which has been played over the past week. Unfortunately due to a family illness I have been in England and have missed the qualification stages, however friends who attended some of the games were impressed by the matches, preparations and atmosphere.
Opening ceremony of CONIFA EURO 2017 – Photos: Richard Beale.
The final was held at the giant Ataturk Stadium which has a capacity of 25,000. Disappointingly even though the hosts were in the final, around 3 sides of the ground remained virtually empty. I estimated maybe a crowd of around 5000 were present but they generated a good atmosphere for this match played under floodlights.
Padania were much the sharper team in the first half playing some slick football with some delightful inter passing they looked like a team that had played together for a number of years. The home side were indebted to their goalkeeper Hasan Piro who pulled off a number of fine saves. Padania took the lead in the 24th minute following a quick break which ended with a cross from the left which was headed into the net at the near post by Ersid Pllumbaj. Score 0-1.
Action Photos of match by Richard Beale.
KKTC were mainly restricted to long shots as the classy Italians continued to dictate play. The home side were unlucky not to equalise in injury time in the first half when Mustafa crashed a shot from the right onto the top of the crossbar. Half Time : 0-1.
During the break the KKTC Head Coach made 3 substitutions as he was clearly unhappy with his team’s first half performance.
They immediately looked dangerous and had a number of chances at the start of the second half as they took the game to the Italians.
The KKTC deservedly equalised in the 52nd minute when the tall HALILTURAN headed a perfect Mustafa cross low down past the Padania keeper Murriero. Score: 1-1.
KKTC on the attack and right celebrating after equalising. – Photos by Richard Beale.
Their momentum was halted however when in the 63rd minute they were reduced to 10 men when Kenan Oshan who had come on as a half time substitute was sent off after a heavy challenge on Danny Magne. Some of the Italian players surrounded the referee imploring him to send off the KKTC player, which was not very sporting.
Despite being reduced to 10 men the home side continued to press forward and push players up-field.The Italians seemed content to hold on for a draw and maybe win the match in a penalty shoot out as the match proceeded into the final 10 minutes. Bravely 10 man KKTC continued and looked like the team most likely to score.
In the 82nd minute following a cross from Mustafa, substitute Firat hit the post with his shot which rebounded to safety for a goal kick.
Then in the 87th minute Halil Turan’s close range effort was brilliantly pushed away for a corner by Murriero. FULL TIME score 1-1.
Penalty shoot out left a KKTC goal and right, a KKTC miss ! – Photos by Richard Beale
The Italian Goalkeeper continued playing the hero as in the penalty shoot out he saved 2 of the home side’s penalties whereas Padania did not miss any of theirs.
Padania celebrations after a KKTC penalty miss – Photo by Richard Beale.
SUMMING UP : After a poor first half, the KKTC probably deserved to win the match based on their second half performance. Having a player sent off rather harshly they bravely took the fight to the Italian team, and they did not let their country down. All of the squad were players taken from the domestic “Supa League”. On the night there were a number of good performances from certain players, striker Halil was always a handful for the Italian defenders, Mustafa on the right hit the bar, and provided some telling crosses. Man of the Match and the Player of the Tournament, Serhan Önet was outstanding in his defending and leadership.
KKTC Team and Player of the Tournament, KKTC Captain Serhan Önet Photos : Courtesy of Mustafa Evliya and Ferah Barışev Kibris and Diyalog newspapers.
The TRNC (KKTC) Government, Tourist Board and Football Federation have done a great job in organising, preparing and hosting this tournament. One small criticism I would like to make was that there was no Tournament Programme to list player squads, numbers and history of teams etc. Also no flags, scarves T.Shirts etc, a huge marketing opportunity missed but overall this Tournament has done the TRNC no harm at all.
