Tahsin Ozler Leaves Omonoia for Turkey’s Ankara Keçiörengücü

Tahsin Ozler has brought his chapter with Omonoia Nicosia to a close, joining Turkish second division side Ankara Keçiörengücü.

Ozler’s story with Omonoia began in October 2017 when, aged just 11, he entered the club’s Academy on the recommendation of former striker Matt Derbyshire. Over the following years, he rose through every age group, eventually breaking into the U19s before making his senior debut.

That milestone came in January 2024 during a Cypriot Cup tie against Krasava, where Ozler became the first Turkish Cypriot to play for Omonoia since Ibrahim Aziz in 1957. Aziz, a celebrated author, poet, and politician, represented the club during the 1956–57 season after impressing in local talent trials, despite facing backlash from Turkish Cypriot nationalist circles at the time.

“Omonoia is not only football. It is my principles and beliefs. My soul has been bound to Omonoia from then until today,” Aziz once reflected in an interview. In recognition of his legacy, the club honoured him in 2018 during its 70th anniversary celebrations.

Like Aziz, Ozler’s presence carried deep symbolism. He was recognised by the Sports Journalists’ Association in the north for his role in Omonoia’s 2023 pre-season in Poland, and in February 2024 signed his first professional contract with the club, extending until 2027. That same month, he made history again, becoming the first Turkish Cypriot to be called up to a Cyprus national team since the Republic’s establishment, joining the U19 squad for European Championship qualifiers.

Former CFA vice-president Theodoros Theodoulou underlined the significance of the call-up:
“The call-up of this footballer was made on purely football criteria and following a decision by the Federation coach. It is a fact that this is the first call-up of a Turkish Cypriot to the national team since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. He is a Cypriot citizen, holder of a Cypriot passport, and has every right to be called up.”

Ozler made his U19 debut in March 2024, coming off the bench in a 1-0 defeat to Poland. While his selection was welcomed by much of the media and football community, it also reignited debate about Cyprus’ political and social divisions.

Omonoia, traditionally aligned with the Left, faced criticism from some Greek Cypriot supporters of right-wing clubs over Ozler’s inclusion. Yet, in a league dominated by foreign players, the rise of a Turkish Cypriot academy graduate was also celebrated as a rare and powerful symbol of coexistence. Thousands of fans and public figures, including AKEL MP Aristos Damianou, praised his breakthrough:
“Only clubs with the principles and values that Omonoia represents can embody such an enormous symbol. Only pride. A Turkish Cypriot in Omonoia’s line-up…”

Ozler’s move to Ankara Keçiörengücü marks the end of a significant chapter – one that carried both sporting promise and broader social resonance. His journey at Omonoia showed glimpses of progress, proving once again how football can serve as a bridge across divides.