Jasli happy to be back in the top flight

Huseyin Jasli was an ever present footballer in the top tier NPL NSW Men’s competition for both Sutherland Sharks and Rockdale City Suns that is until  he left for the NPL 2 and spent a couple of seasons in the lower leagues. 

“It’s nice to be back in the top flight after 6-years away,” he said.

“It’s good to be back but you definitely notice the difference in levels and how they’ve improved.

“I haven’t played first grade at Rangers (Mt Druitt Town) yet but I’m working on my fitness and hope to be pushing for a spot on the bench or a start soon.”

Jasli spent time with Canterbury Bankstown FC as well as a season with Bankstown City FC before getting the call up to join the Mt Druitt outfit.

“The standard of the top tier NPL has always been up there but I can certainly notice the difference since coming back.

“The fitness levels are a whole new ball game at the moment and I’ve seen a far more technical aspect to the game now also.

“It was always more of a physical battle back in the day, you’d come off the pitch bruised and battered and knew you’d been a tough match every week but the passing game and tactics have come on leaps and bounds which is great to see.”

Although awaiting his first appearance for his new club, Jasli is eagerly anticipating his debut with the Rangers.

“Obviously I’m hopeful it will be in the next couple of weeks but we’ll see how it goes.

“I can only train harder and hopefully catch the coach’s eye but I’ll keep working hard for that.

“I’m happy at the moment to be getting a good solid ninety minutes under my belt in the 20’s and building up my fitness levels but obviously I’m itching for a first team outing.

“If I wasn’t looking for that I shouldn’t be at the club but after having  six months off at the end of last season, I know, I need to get up to match speed before I get my opportunity.”

Jasli readily admits he thought his NPL Men’s top tier days were over.

“Of course those thoughts go through your head and as the years pass you put it to the back of your mind but I’m grateful to all the guys here at the club for giving me this opportunity.

“It’s been a good thing for me, perhaps mentally more than anything and not just physically, as it’s a challenge I’m happy to accept and we’ll see where it leads.

“We have a great bunch of guys at this club, a really close tight knit group who are always ready for a good laugh but always pushing each other on to do better and I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Round 3 of the NPL Men’s competition approaches and he is still to make a first team appearance which could, as he hopes, be sooner rather than later and it will be great for the player to turn back the years and give it a real go for the remainder of the 2020 campaign.

By Football NSW reporter Micky Brock