Rokhus Shokh Attended Kazakhstan Cup Final

The decisive game between Ordabasy and Tobol, held on October 4, became the first official match to take place at the brand-new Kaisar Arena sports complex in Kyzylorda.

The 11,000-seat stadium was officially inaugurated on the same day, with Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov taking part in the opening ceremony. Notably, the venue meets UEFA Category 4 standards, allowing it to host international-level matches.

The match ended with a 2–0 victory for Tobol.

Rokhus Shokh, President of Freedom QJ League:

– In October 2022, I was here as the president of the PFLK. That day, Kaisar was playing an important end-of-season match against Zhetysu. During the game, we talked with the regional akim, Nurlybek Mashbekuly Nalibayev.

I told him it would be great to build a new modern stadium that meets all UEFA standards, with a capacity of 8–10 thousand. He was very interested in the idea.

At the end of the match, he said: “Please announce it: I give you my word that within three years, we will build a new football arena in Kyzylorda.”

So I announced it to the entire stadium. The crowd went wild! The akim took the microphone and confirmed it in Kazakh: “Yes, I give my word — in three years, it will happen.”

Yesterday we met again at the match. As soon as he saw me, he said: “Here’s the man who gave me the idea!” He was truly happy — his face was glowing.

I’m very glad for Kyzylorda, for the players, and for the fans. The area that used to be just steppe has completely transformed in a year and a half — the stadium has been built, the infrastructure is in place, everything is clean and well maintained, and all utilities are connected.

I’m sure the federation will host matches of the youth, junior, and national teams here. God willing, next season we’ll plan to hold a Freedom QJ League matchday in this city.

Maksat Baizhanov, Sporting Director of FC Kaisar:

“I remember that game against Zhetisu like it was yesterday – it was my farewell match. Rokhus Shokh was there too. Everything went perfectly, such a beautiful day. When the akim promised to build a new stadium, the whole crowd went wild – everyone was applauding. It was a huge moment for Kyzylorda and for all of Kazakh football.

We have historical photos from before and after the construction. Immense gratitude to Nurlybek Nalibayev – he kept his word and built an amazing, purely football-oriented stadium.

Now we can even host Champions League and Europa League matches here – UEFA has confirmed the arena’s Category 4 status.

Thank you to everyone who believed, who waited, who dreamed of this moment. I truly hope more stadiums like this will appear across Kazakhstan.”