Onur Kaya (36), the former captain of KV Mechelen, put away his football shirt about a year ago and has given his life a surprising turn. Kaya now runs an ice cream parlor in Schaerbeek. Sporza visited him, tasted the delicious ice cream and also reminisced. But the terrible earthquake in Turkey – Kaya is of Turkish descent – was also discussed.
Onur Kaya has Turkish roots and the earthquake in Turkey really affected him. For example, Kaya’s mother and her family live in Istanbul.
“The whole country is in shock,” says Kaya, “and even in Istanbul people are scared, some can’t sleep at night.”
“The Turkish government has completely failed as far as I’m concerned,” says Kaya. “People everywhere are afraid that their houses are not built strong enough.”
“I can hardly imagine how the victims feel there and what they have experienced.”
Onur Kaya in its new habitat.
“I am no longer dependent on football”
The graceful ex-footballer has made a striking career turn.
“I founded this ice cream parlor together with a friend,” says Kaya. “Actually, I don’t particularly like ice cream, but I can definitely recommend our mango flavour.”
“We make the ice cream fresh every day. I think that’s important, we offer people quality.”
“I’ve stopped playing football for almost a year now,” says Kaya. “I don’t really miss the physical training (laughs), but I do miss the group feeling”.
“Becoming a trainer wouldn’t have been for me. I’ve seen it in the football world,” he continues. “A lot has changed in the meantime.”
Onur Kaya ended his professional career at KV Mechelen.
Onur Kaya ended his career last season
Onur Kaya won the cup in his career with Lokeren, Zulte Waregem and KV Mechelen. “I’m a real cup man,” laughs Kaya. “That gives a great feeling as a player.”
“Especially that cup final with Zulte Waregem in 2017 stays with me,” he says. “We won against Ostend on penalties. Very exciting.”
De clubs van Onur Kaya
- 2005-2010 Vitesse (Ned)
- 2010-2014 Charleroi
- 2014-2015 Lokeren
- 2015-2018 Zulte Waregem
- 2018-2022 KV Mechelen
