Vait Talgayev: «QJ League is a unique project that is transforming football in Kazakhstan»

QJ League has become not just a sports project but a true driver of football development in Kazakhstan. We spoke with Vait Abdul-Khamidovich Talgayev, the QJ League ambassador who has poured his heart and experience into promoting youth football, about how the League inspires young players, coaches, and fans, the achievements already made, and the goals set for the future.

 

– Vait Abdul-Khamidovich, what does it mean to you to be an ambassador for QJ League?

 

– It is a great honor for me to be an ambassador and represent QJ League. This project has, in a sense, given me a second football life. I actively participate in league events, attend games held not only in Almaty but also in other cities across Kazakhstan. It is important for me to see how our youth football is developing, and I truly believe in its bright future.

 

My role involves communicating with coaches and team players. Before and after matches, I talk to the players, get their opinions about the game and the project itself. They all say in unison that they are thrilled to be part of it. This project provides motivation and inspiration to each of them.

 

When it comes to QJ League, it’s hard to find a similar project even in Russia or Europe. Many of my friends and colleagues from Russia, where I used to work, call me and express amazement at how such a large-scale project was created, how investors were found, and how its implementation was ensured.

 

On behalf of the entire football community in Kazakhstan and personally, I want to express my immense gratitude to Timur Turlov for his contribution to the development of our football. I often talk to him and see how genuinely passionate he is about this project and how he rejoices in its successes.

 

I also want to highlight our league president, Rokhus Shokh, who not only initiated the creation of the project but also successfully implements it with his team. Over the two years that I have been an ambassador, the project has been actively growing, and I am proud to be a part of it.

 

For my part, I try to be as useful as possible for QJ League and for Kazakhstani football as a whole. After all, QJ League is a unique project that is transforming football in Kazakhstan.

 

– How would you evaluate the recently concluded QJ League season? What key moments or events stood out to you the most?

 

– The second season of the League, like the first, turned out to be bright and unforgettable. For me, it felt truly special. There were many thrilling matches that left a lasting impression.

 

For example, I vividly remember the game where «Taraz» faced «Shakhtyor.» Taraz is my hometown, and I saw how the stadium was packed to capacity with fans. The support from the stands was incredible, and the emotions from the victory, especially in the bronze medal match, left an indelible impression.

 

 

Another memorable match was the final round in the younger age group, where «Kairat» played against «Aktobe.» I was present at this game, and the tension lasted until the very last second. Even with a score of 1:0, everything was so unpredictable that the fate of the gold medals was decided literally in the final minutes. At the same time, «Astana» was playing their match, and until the final whistle, no one knew who would become the champion. This kind of intrigue makes our championship truly unique.

 

Additionally, I want to highlight the overall growth in the level of play. Teams are truly showcasing high-quality football, with increasingly interesting combinations, and the content of the matches is pleasing to the eye.

 

Of course, alongside the joyful moments, there were also tears. When you walk into one locker room where the team is celebrating victory, the emotions are overwhelming, and the players are ecstatic. But in another locker room, there's silence, players with their heads down, sometimes even with tears in their eyes. These contrasts are also part of football’s drama, and they stay in your memory.

 

– What, in your opinion, was the main achievement of the League this season?

 

– This is both a difficult and an easy question at the same time. Everything the League does can be considered an achievement. Organizing the championship, maintaining a high level of preparation, and ensuring the quality of the competition is already a huge success. Especially when you take into account the challenges we face in Kazakhstan: the vast distances between cities, complex logistics, and the need for significant resources.

 

In my opinion, one of the key achievements this season was involving teams from all regions of the country. The participation of teams from cities like Petropavlovsk, Kostanay, Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and others was an important step forward. These teams had to overcome long distances, sometimes flying across the entire country. Of course, this required significant financial investments, and here I would like to once again express my gratitude to Timur Turlov. Thanks to his support and initiative, the League was able to cover all regions, which was a crucial milestone for the development of Kazakhstani football.

 

I would also like to highlight the League’s representative team playing against one of the best European academies, «Crvena Zvezda». It was an incredible match! Before the game, the team went through a week-long training camp at one of the best facilities in the country — or even in Europe — at the «Kairat» base. Everything was organized at the highest level: the coaching staff, analysts, and the entire League worked seamlessly to achieve the result.

 

The analytical department gathered data on the opponent, and the coaches worked out tactical schemes — for attack, defense, and transitions. This preparation translated into an excellent performance, which led to the result. The match was held at a packed stadium in «Khan-Tengri», where the team secured a confident victory, scoring two spectacular goals against «Crvena Zvezda».

 

 

This victory is not just a result; it’s a signal to all of us that Kazakhstani football has a future. It inspired the players, fans, and everyone involved in the development of football in our country.

 

Overall, the League has made tremendous progress, and I am confident that its achievements will only continue to grow.

 

– What influence, in your opinion, can QJ League have on the development of football in the country?

 

– QJ League is already having a tremendous impact on the development of football in Kazakhstan's regions. First of all, it popularizes the game. The League’s matches are broadcast on television, we have our own website that is actively visited by fans, coaches, and analysts. The broadcast quality looks stunning, comparable to top European leagues. The matches are filmed using multiple cameras, ensuring a high level of detail, replays, and in-depth analysis.

 

I personally enjoy watching the broadcasts. It’s especially gratifying that people in my hometown, Taraz, eagerly anticipate the matches, as the team was competing for medals. Fans are fully engaged, from academy coaches carefully monitoring the games of their trainees to parents, grandparents, and entire families gathering around screens or attending stadiums.

 

A key element has been the match day experience — it’s not just about football games but real celebrations for the cities. Packed stadiums, a family-friendly atmosphere, entertainment programs, performances by artists, and contests — all of this attracts people who might not have attended football games before. Parents bring their children, sparking their interest in sports.

 

 

The influence of QJ League is already extending beyond Kazakhstan. I often receive calls from friends in Russia who tell me they’ve heard about the League and its successes. Young players dream of being part of this project, and parents are willing to do whatever it takes for their children to play in this League.

 

I can give you an example. Recently, my colleagues Dmitry Ogay and Alexander Kuznetsov from the analytical department and I attended a match between the U15 teams of «Khan-Tengri» and «Tobol.» The game took place in the evening under floodlights, and the atmosphere was amazing. Parents and children approached us, asking about the possibility of joining the League and sharing their dreams of playing here. This shows that there is a genuine football boom in the regions.

 

Furthermore, QJ League has a significant social impact. This project steers young people away from harmful influences, gives them a purpose, and inspires them to engage in sports and self-development. Football is becoming a part of life for many families, contributing not only to sports development but also to overall cultural growth.

 

Thus, QJ League is not just developing football but also creating a powerful informational and social movement around it, which I am confident will continue to grow and inspire new players and fans.

 

– Which teams or players, in your opinion, stood out the most?

 

– First of all, I want to highlight the progress made by several teams this season. For example, an interesting discovery was the team «Tobol» from Kostanay, which was invited to join QJ League this year. I clearly remember their first game against «Kairat» in Almaty — back then, «Tobol» suffered a crushing defeat, losing 1–12. The team appeared unbalanced, and I personally felt a bit awkward that such a club was competing in our league.

 

However, by September, when I saw «Tobol» again, this time playing against «Zhas Kyran,» it was a completely different team: more cohesive, confident, and with improved skills. They ended up defeating «Zhas Kyran» and finished the season in sixth place, which I think is a very respectable result for a debutant. Their fighting spirit grew, they developed a "hunger" for victories, and they forged a strong football character.

 

 

As for the strongest teams, in their respective age groups, the usual leaders stood out: «Kairat» and the medalists «Ordabasy» and «Taraz,» who earned their positions. I feel a bit sorry for «Shakhtyor», which initially set a high standard and played almost on par with «Kairat» (in one match, they ended 0:0 in Almaty). However, something went wrong later, and the team started losing points.

 

In the younger group, I want to highlight «Astana,» which fiercely competed with the Almaty team. Another interesting team is «Ontustyk»: they won 14 out of 14 matches, and their football is also showing noticeable progress.

 

Speaking of players, a symbolic team of the season has already been compiled, and I agree with many of the candidates on it. However, I would like to mention two players separately who didn’t make it into that team but, in my opinion, deserve attention: Arseniy Blokhin and Alan Adakhaev. Both impressed me greatly in the matches for their teams.

 

Of course, there are many talented players, each with their own potential. I don’t want to single anyone out too much to avoid offending others. But the most important thing is that the skill level of all players is growing throughout the championship, and we can see it with our own eyes.

 

– What opportunities does the League provide for young players and coaches?

 

– Speaking of young players, the League gives them an excellent opportunity to get closer to professional football — the very thing they dedicate their lives to. Within the framework of the League, the players can feel like real professionals: matches follow a weekly cycle, flights are made by plane, teams stay in the best hotels, and proper nutrition is provided.

 

I personally travel with them to other cities from Almaty, and sometimes I even feel envious of how everything is organized "to the smallest detail." Back in our time, we traveled by bus or train, and the food left much to be desired — now, the players can focus entirely on their game. On top of that, the League fosters great competition. There’s no such thing as an "easy" match — teams give 100% in every game. And as they say, competition breeds excellence. In my opinion, it is only in such conditions that young football players can truly grow and develop.

 

As for the coaches, the League is an enormous treasure trove of new knowledge and opportunities. With the development of digital platforms like FF Manager, many aspects of the training process have become more systematized. There has been a digitalization and automation of training planning for youth teams. Coaches are provided with access to hundreds of exercises, microcycles, and other methodological materials, giving a strong boost to development.

 

Looking back on my own experience, when we used to go to training camps with piles of notes, diagrams, and videotapes, I realize how much simpler and richer a coach’s work has become today. Everything that used to be painstakingly gathered bit by bit is now available in a single system — all that’s needed is the desire to learn and improve.

 

 

I would also like to highlight the achievements of our analytics department, led by Arsen Inkarbekov, which includes high-level specialists such as Igor Shpanyora, Dmitriy Vasilyev, and coaches with experience in the Premier League like Dmitriy Ogay, Evgeniy Yarovenko, and Alexander Kuznetsov. They make a huge contribution to the development of training methodologies. Regular training seminars and conferences are organized, where coaches from various regions exchange experiences and gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. If any questions arise, coaches can always turn to the analytics department, which continuously monitors all games and can provide detailed information.

 

Thus, the League not only develops professional football players but also creates a powerful support system for coaches, fostering their continuous education and growth.

 

– What goals, in your opinion, are currently the top priorities for the League?

 

– This is truly a challenging question, but the League's priorities remain generally clear. First and foremost, it’s crucial to successfully conduct the entire championship while maintaining the high level of organization, especially as the League continues to grow. Next year, there are plans to introduce three new age groups, and possibly add women's football — we hope that the girls, who have been eagerly waiting their turn, will also join.

 

Secondly, an important goal is to continue training coaches through our program, aiming to implement the methodology as broadly as possible (at least 90%) and ensure that all specialists effectively use it in their work with players. It is vital that coaches not only understand the theory but also know how to apply it in practice, nurturing a new generation of players.

 

Overall, development is progressing very actively. The League is striving to maintain a high standard while also expanding to include even more players, teams, and coaches, thereby contributing to the overall growth of football.

 

 
– What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

 

– I’m looking forward to another football celebration! Even now, being retired, I eagerly think, "When will it all start? I can’t wait to dive back into this atmosphere!" I hope to see bright, thrilling matches where teams compete on equal terms and delight us with beautiful goals and combinations.

 

I also expect that the success of our League will be reflected in «Kairat,» which will take part in the UEFA Youth League. I hope they demonstrate a worthy level of play and achieve good results — after all, they are representing not only their club but the whole of Kazakhstan.

 

Overall, football is the number one sport, the king of all sports. I just want to enjoy every game, savor the spectacle on the field, and soak in the atmosphere of the stadiums.

 

– You mentioned a league for girls. What do you think about the initiative to hold a national championship for girls next season?

 

– I strongly support the idea of girls participating in the championship — I believe they truly deserve it. I know that at the end of September, the League organized a women’s football festival in Pavlodar. I got in touch with colleagues on-site, and judging by their feedback, the event generated a lot of interest: many fans attended, and the girls themselves were thrilled.

 

 

Even then, many club leaders and parents approached the organizers with requests to launch a full-fledged championship for girls. Additionally, as part of the festival, a training seminar was held for coaches and media officers to prepare them for working with women’s teams and to familiarize them with the standards set by the League.

 

I’m confident that such a championship will attract significant attention. Personally, I will gladly watch these matches — I’m always interested in seeing how girls express themselves in football and discovering the talents they possess.

 

– You, of course, communicate with many football veterans. How do they evaluate the QJ League project? What do they tell you?

 

– I regularly communicate with many football veterans. We have a special veterans' chat, participate in veteran tournaments, and maintain close ties, fostering friendly relationships. First and foremost, I want to highlight the respectful attitude the League has toward veterans. As they say, "Without the past, there is no future," and I can see that the League fully understands this.

 

This was especially evident during the awards ceremony at the end of the season. The celebration was magnificent and exceeded all expectations. Last year's ceremony was already of the highest standard, but this time it was organized on an even grander scale. One particularly memorable moment was the charity auction, where memorabilia such as championship gloves and branded jerseys were sold. The money raised at the auction went to help children from an orphanage. I remember one jersey was sold for 8 million tenge! These funds were used to purchase furniture and equipment for the children. A friendly match was also played — it was incredibly touching.

 

Recalling that evening at the QJ League Awards, I must note that many well-known veterans of Kazakhstani football attended. Additionally, the League established several awards in honor of legends. They themselves presented the awards: in memory of Seyilda Baishakov, my dear friend, and in honor of Evgenyy Yarovenko, Yevstafiy Pekhlevanidi, Alexander Ubykin, Eduard Son, and many others. The entire event was very emotional and heartfelt.

 

 

When I meet with veterans, they all unanimously say that the League’s president, Rokhus Shokh, deserves immense credit for creating such a project. They call it a true fairytale for the youth and emphasize that it must continue to develop. Many believe that the future of Kazakhstani football lies with the QJ League.

 

Personally, I find it fascinating to watch the growth and development of young players. I’m confident that many clubs, not only in Kazakhstan but also abroad, will closely follow the emerging talents in our League. And I am certain that there will be many more to come.