Turgut Kafkas, legendary football coach, passes away at 85

Turgut Kafkas, a prominent Turkish football manager and former player, has died at the age of 85. His funeral service was held at the Trabzon İskenderpaşa Mosque following the noon prayer, after which he was laid to rest in the family cemetery.

Kafkas is widely remembered for his significant contributions to several Turkish clubs. He led Erzurumspor to an undefeated championship in the 1972-1973 season and guided Çaykur Rizespor to its first promotion to the first league by winning the 1978-1979 championship. His coaching career also included stints with Zonguldakspor, Giresunspor, Mersin İdmanyurdu, and Trabzonspor, where he served as youth coordinator.

In addition to his club achievements, Kafkas served as the manager of the Turkish Women’s National Team. Erzurumspor President Ahmet Dal attended the funeral, describing Kafkas as a legendary figure who wrote his name in gold letters in the history of the club.