Hume City FC is saddened to learn of the passing of club stalwart Halit Kirdar.

A long-time member and fan of the club, Halit was best known as the founder of the club, then known as Anadoluspor.

Born in Turkey in 1946 and migrating to Australia in 1970, Halit worked as a Carpenter’s Assistant upon arrival and settled into his new home in Victoria, Australia.

A passionate supporter of Turkish Süper Lig League club, Fenerbahçe, Halit brought his love for the game to his local area in Melbourne within a decade of his arrival, playing a key role in the club’s foundation in 1979.

Alongside Cengiz Binyazar and Abdullah Saglam, Halit created Anadoluspor which started off in Kensington and eventually found its way to its current home in Broadmeadows over the years. 

With a sharp eye in player development and identifying young talent, Halit had a vast passion and knowledge for the game, leading to many successful years of association with the football club.

His connection with the club was further rooted when grandson Birkan joined the team as a youth player and worked his way through the ranks – eventually playing in the A-League before returning to Broadmeadows in recent years where he has become a fan favourite.

A much-loved figure around the club, Halit will be sorely missed by the greater Anadoluspor community.

Halit is survived by his wife, children and many grandchildren.

At this weekend’s fixture against Bentleigh Greens, there will be a Minute’s Silence before the game honouring the late Halit, while don Ferruh will be flipping the coin pre-match.