Shakhtyor's Jokers Moved to the Senior Team: How the Girls Performed in the League

Darina Karabekova, Malika Beysembayeva, Malika Sarsen, and Danagul Akhmetzhan have joined the U-18 team.

Forward Malika Sarsen was one of Shakhtyor's top performers in the "goal + assist" system after four matchweeks, having scored two goals and provided two assists.

Defender Malika Beysembayeva also played four matches, recording 21 interceptions and 45 tackles and recoveries.

Midfielder Danagul Akhmetzhan made two appearances – she registered 7 shots on target out of 8 attempts and scored a brace against Zhetisu.

Goalkeeper Darina Karabekova played only in the season opener against Irtysh before being sidelined due to injury.

The coach of the "Cinderella" team, Sergey Polenov, explained the lineup changes in his squad.

– This decision was made right before the start of the season. It was agreed back then that they would play for us until the end of June, and then return to compete in their own age group – the Youth Championship of Kazakhstan for girls born in 2007–2008. This was a decision made by the club’s management.

As for the younger players born in 2011–2012, I decided not to promote anyone to our team. They also have their own Youth Championship going on, and their team is currently among the leaders. Moreover, they play in the "1+8" format, and I don't think constantly switching systems is a good idea. 4–5 of them could perform well at this level, but as they say, everything in its own time.

What are the chances that the jokers will return to help the team at the end of the championship?

There’s always a chance, but it will all depend on further negotiations between our club’s management and the League.

I won’t single anyone out in particular. The jokers were essentially the backbone of the team – one in each line. Now we’ll be rebuilding, growing with every game, and moving only forward!

In Matchweek V, Shakhtyor's players faced Kairat and suffered a heavy defeat in Almaty – 0:7.