Sabina Aitchanova – the Best Defender of Freedom QJ League W!

Having turned just 14 in October, Sabina played all 14 matches of the season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. She also won 122 out of 196 duels (62%), made 73 interceptions, and recorded 176 tackles and ball recoveries. Aitchanova completed 223 accurate passes out of 374 (60%).

Winners of the individual awards — Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder and Best Forward — across all League tournaments will each receive 200,000 tenge in prize money from the League’s partner, Freedom Bank.

“It was very unexpected. I felt a lot of joy and satisfaction knowing I achieved this. This moment made me realize that my hard work was seen and appreciated. I’m proud of myself and proud of my team. I am grateful to everyone who supported me throughout the championship.

We started the season really well, but then relaxed a bit and lost points in matches where we shouldn’t have. Later we regrouped and won the final four games — that’s what brought us to a medal place. The decisive moment was our last match against Aktobe, where we secured the victory.

My goal for next season is to build communication within the renewed squad and not take a single step back. A new team, new victories, new emotions await us.

The moment I remember most is the season opener — thousands of fans, incredible organization, and so much attention on us.

I haven’t yet thought about how I will spend the prize money, as this award came as a big surprise,” Sabina shared.

“My advice to younger girls who will debut in the League next year is: never give up and fight until the very end. You can’t cheat football. The most important thing is to leave everything you have on the pitch. The pain will pass, your strength will return, but the feeling of defeat will stay with you forever,” she added.