He has gone down in NSW football folk law as one of the most prolific strikers ever to grace the football pitches in the state’s top tier competition and after five years of playing top flight football smashing records in India, Tolgay Ozbey has returned home.
Ozbey attracted cult status when the then 24-year-old signed for East Bengal where he spent two seasons that saw him bang 35 goals in 48 matches.
After his destructive two years at East Bengal, Ozbey was head hunted by rival club Mohun Bagan where he spent the 2012-2013 season and again was part of the top scorers charts.
From there he then made moves to Mohammedan and Dempo before moving to FC Goa on loan but has since returned back to Sydney where current Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 finalists and historic club Sydney Olympic have recruited the prized signing.
Ozbey will be wearing the traditional Blue and White colours of Olympic this Sunday as they take on Manly United at Belmore Sports Ground with their passionate fans hoping that his goals will spur on the Blues to victory.
Football NSW recently caught up with Ozbey on his return to Australia.
Why did you choose Sydney Olympic?
There were a few reasons, Sydney Olympic is where I spent all my junior years.
I know Grant Lee also, he was my first professional coach and I know what he expects out of the players.
The team is in a good position on the ladder and also participating in the round of 32 in the Westfield FFA Cup.
Were there any other clubs in the frame?
Yes there were other clubs interested but it was Olympic I made my decision with.
Do you have aspirations to play in the Hyundai A-League or will you want to return back to India?
I’ve spent the last five years in India, so for now I’m happy to be back home spending some time with family and friends.
I could possibly go back to India or maybe somewhere else but I would consider opportunities from the Hyundai A-League.
Westfield FFA Cup match against Capital Football outfit Gungahlin United FC coming up you must be excited
Yes I am excited, back before I left the country, the Westfield FFA Cup didn’t exist, so I’m really looking forward to it and the tough match that awaits us against Gungahlin.
How have you viewed the Olympic squad and how have you settled in?
The team is very young and very energetic. From what I have seen, we dominate most games that we play. I’ve been training with the team for the past 4 weeks and the boys are great and very welcoming, there’s a good vibe at the club and I am happy to be part of it.
Your message to the passionate Sydney Olympic fans
I want to thank the fans for being supportive and welcoming me back to a club that I started my football with. I want to repay them with wins and goals!
Were you keeping in touch with how the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 competition was going?
Yes I was always keeping a close watch on the highlights on the official PS4 NPL NSW Men’s website and Facebook page coverage which has been fantastic.
-By Mark Stavroulakis
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