Special Feature: Hosyar Cakal holding the fort at Mt Druitt Town Rangers

IMG_0578


Hosyar Cakal, better known as ‘Shiyar’, is a 19 year old striker that has found a real consistency in goalscoring, and is currently in second position on 15 goals, just one goal behind Stanmore’s Nick Paradisis. The two strikers have shared top spot for a number of weeks now, and no doubt will battle it out right until the final game of the season.
‘Shiyar’ translated actually means ‘awake’ – an appropriate term to describe Cakal’s state of mind whenever he is lurking in the opposition’s attacking third, ready to pounce on any half opportunity that presents itself.
I caught up with the teenager, and asked him a series of questions, including his favourite player, the reason behind his success this season, and the impact the late Dave Higson has had on his career.
# FULL NAME:
Hosyar Cakal
# PREFERRED NAME:
“Shiyar” 
# DATE/PLACE OF BIRTH:
02/05/1992 in Istanbul (Turkey)
# PREVIOUS CLUBS (including junior clubs): 
Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Doonside Hawks & Istanbul Ozdogan (Turkey)
# PREFERRED POSITION:
Striker  
# BEST GOAL EVER SCORED: 
In 2009, playing Under 18s for Mt Druitt Rangers against Hurstville – I scored a bicycle kick from outside the 18-yard box
# MOST IMPORTANT GOAL SCORED:
Once again in 2009, playing Under 18s for Mt Druitt Rangers vs Fraser Park – a last minute free-kick to win game 3-2
# MOST DIFFICULT OPPONENT:
Well, I’d have to say it would be this year’s Mounties Wanderers 1st Grade side – I can’t name a particular individual, because the team as a whole are a formidable opponent.
# FAVOURITE SOCCEROO PLAYER & WHY:
Harry Kewell – we are both left footed, and his speed and determination to continue after all his injuries is inspiring for any young footballer.
# FAVOURITE OVERSEAS PLAYER & WHY:
Ronaldinho – he was just amazing in his prime with Barcelona, and growing up I used to mirror my style on him
# FAVOURITE OVERSEAS TEAM & WHY:
Besiktas, because I grew up loving the team, and growing up I had the opportunity to watch a lot of their games back in Turkey, and would one day love to play in front of crowds like that
# MOST EMBARRASSING THING TO HAPPEN TO YOU ON A FOOTBALL FIELD: 
Playing a game in the Under 15s for Doonside, I had thought I had scored a goal in the Champion of Champions Final at Valentine Park, in pouring rain, and as I ran to the crowd to celebrate, I had realised the wet ground had stopped the ball on the goal line…..my family still tease me about it till this day!
# BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER:
My Mum, my family, and my friends
# THE SECRET BEHIND YOUR CONSISTENCY IN GOAL SCORING:
Always trying to be in a goal scoring position by reading the play before it actually happens, and of course, hard work because in soccer, nothing comes easy
# HOW HAS THE CLUB COPED WITH THE PASSING OF DAVE HIGSON, AND WHAT LEGACY HAS HE LEFT BEHIND AT MT DRUITT?
The entire club was in shock when we heard the bad news. Dave was the type of person who would be loved by any one that was around him.
He was not only an incredible coach, but an incredible person.
Dave leaves Mt Druitt with a fantastic legacy of pride and respect, and all of the players in the squad will remember his knowledge of the game, as well as his humour.
For me personally, Dave changed the way I approach football, he taught me how to become a professional, and focus on any goals I wish to achieve, because that’s the type of person Dave was like.
# HOW HAS THE SEASON GONE FOR MT DRUITT, AND WHERE IS THE TEAM AIMING TO FINISH?
We have become the draw specilaists which has kept us mid table all season when we believe we are a Top 5 side.
We are still aspiring to make the Top 5, which requires us to win most of our games left, which we believe we can.
This season is dedicated to Dave, and we know he would have loved us to be playing in the finals, so we will strive to make this happen.
Hugh McCrory has dedicated his time to help us in memory of Dave, and he’s pushing us each week at training to do our very best.
# FUNNIEST TEAM MATE:
Slaven Ljuboja – his favourite word is ‘bro’!
# TEAM MATE TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Nathan Ralph – a great player with plenty of experience, and always fights for the ball
# WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS IN FOOTBALL?
I hope for the opportunity to play in the highest level available to me. My short term goals would be the opportunity to play in the A League in the near future. I believe there are plenty of good young players in the A League and I believe it’s a fantastic competition to be a part of.
So keep an eye out for the name, Hosyar Cakal, and if you would like to see what all the fuss is about, get down to Popondetta Park before the season is out.
-By Frank Speranza