24.11.2025 19:22
Recep Mavili (65), who played football for Kayserispor between 1974 and 1980 and also wore the jersey in the Süper Lig for 2 seasons, is now selling meatball sandwiches around the stadium before the matches of the team he once played for against Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and Galatasaray.
Recep Mavili, who started football in 1974 in the youth team of Kayserispor and played in the Süper Lig for Kayserispor, the team of his hometown, between 1978-1980, later transferred to Edirnespor.
SELLING KEBAB BREAD AT THE STADIUM OF THE TEAM HE PLAYED FOR
Playing for 2 seasons in the Trakya team between 1981-1983, Mavili also wore the jersey of Erciyesspor in the 1988-1990 season. After that, he transferred to Nevşehirspor, where Recep Mavili retired from football. After retiring, Mavili decided to continue his father's profession as the first mobile kebab seller in Kayseri and started selling kebab bread around the stadium that hosts the matches of Kayserispor, where he played professionally for 6 years. After Kayserispor plays a match in the city every two weeks, Recep Mavili opens his bread shop early in the morning. Preparing his kebabs, Mavili offers them to the yellow-red fans.
'A VERY BEAUTIFUL FEELING'
Explaining that he both chats with Kayserispor fans and sells kebabs around the stadium, Recep Mavili said, "My father used to sell kebabs before Kayserispor matches when I was a child. I would come and help him. Later, I played professionally for Kayserispor. I can say that I have been selling kebabs since my childhood. I am glad that my father taught me this profession. It is a very beautiful feeling, as if I am reliving my youth. Those who do not know that I was a football player are surprised. They say, 'This guy has played matches with Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş; now he is selling kebabs here.' By doing this job, I am also reliving my old days," he said.
'I USED TO HELP MY FATHER BEFORE THE MATCHES'
Recep Mavili stated, "In our time, there was no money in football. I continue the kebab selling profession, which is my father's profession. May God bless my father, who taught me this profession. I played in the youth team of Kayserispor in 1974. I rose to the A team and played professional football for 6 years. I captained Nevşehirspor. We brought Erciyesspor to the professional league. Since I was a child, I have been coming to Kayserispor matches and helping my father sell kebabs before the matches," he said.
'KAYSERISPOR MEANS A LOT TO US'
Mavili, who stated that he also experiences the excitement of the old days around the stadium, said, "It feels like I am reliving my youth. I used to sell kebabs at 20 and 17 years old. I still sell them now. This job provides me with financial benefits and keeps me fit. Even if God gave me great wealth, I would still do this job. I would distribute bags of money to people; but I would still sell kebabs. This job is my father's legacy. Because I am reliving the old days, snapshots, and history. I would also distribute the money to Kayserispor fans. Kayserispor means a lot to us. I wish we could play for the top. But that also depends on financial means. It can only happen if the city of Kayseri unites. Everyone needs to support. If Kayserispor gets relegated, kebab seller Recep is also relegated. That’s why we need to be united," he said.
'I DIDN'T KNOW HE PLAYED FOR KAYSERISPOR'
Recep Yılmaz, one of the Kayserispor fans, said, "We eat kebab bread here before every match. We come here as a team. I have been a Kayserispor fan for as long as I can remember. We support our city's team. I didn't know that Recep brother played for Kayserispor before. I was surprised, I will research it. I am also curious about the years he played," he said.