Zharkynbek Zholamanov: «The QJ League has become a challenge and an opportunity for growth for us»

The Kaisar U18 team has completed their season in the QJ League, facing numerous challenges but showcasing team spirit and a commitment to growth. In an interview, the team’s head coach, Zharkynbek Zholamanov, shared his perspective on the season’s results, discussed the difficulties of integrating new players, highlighted the team’s weaknesses, and outlined plans to address them. He also emphasized the importance of leadership, technology, and education in reaching new heights in the upcoming season.

 

– How do you evaluate the performance of the Kaisar team this season compared to the previous one?

– The position of the Kaisar U18 team in the league standings has not changed significantly compared to last season. However, I highly value the attitude of the players, as well as their individual and team level in the QJ League. Last year, our Kaisar U18 team competed in the Youth League. They immediately transitioned to the QJ League, participated in high-level competitions, and faced strong teams. It was not easy, which is why I am satisfied with our position in the standings and the quality of play.

 

– The team’s roster has undergone significant changes. How challenging was it to integrate new players into the playing system?

– The changes were indeed significant. You could say that this year we faced challenges with the "jokers." Within our structure, there are several teams: the First League, the Second League, and the QJ League. Player integration was particularly difficult mid-season. Additionally, several new players joined the team, and this was their first season in the League. However, we were able to overcome these difficulties together as a collective. Our results were decent, and I believe we demonstrated good performance.

 

– What positions or areas do you consider the weakest or most vulnerable in the team this season?

– Our weakest position was the defensive line. From a gameplay perspective, we could have achieved better results by changing our defensive play and style.

 

– How do you maintain team spirit during challenging periods?

– The first year, just like the current season, was very difficult for us. But the most important thing is to look to the future with hope and confidence. Our work will definitely yield results. We act systematically according to the plan. To maintain team spirit, we rely on the support of the coaching staff and the team leaders.

 

– Are there leaders in the team who help you manage the group on the field or in the locker room?

– Yes, we have jokers who take on leadership roles. These are players who participated in the QJ League last season and gained experience in the First and Second Leagues this year. We rely on their leadership qualities.

 

– What are your main goals for the next season? Do you have a plan to achieve them?

– We are looking toward the next season with great confidence. Right now, we are in a transitional phase. We are conducting player selection and carefully preparing for the next QJ League season. Our main goal is not only to improve our position in the league standings but also to ensure the individual development of our players. We are preparing them for professional performance at the levels of the Second, First, and Premier League.

 

– How did your experience as an assistant coach in the QJ League All-Star match impact your professional growth?

– This experience had a very positive impact on me. Working on the coaching staff of the All-Star team not only improved my professional level but also elevated my approach to work and understanding of the process to a new level. Professionals from various fields were brought together there, and the knowledge and experience I gained from them significantly contributed to my professional development.

 

– How convenient and functional has the FF Manager platform been for you? Which of its features do you find most useful in your coaching work?

– Of course, we use this platform. We are very grateful to the QJ League team for implementing this platform mid-season. It has significantly streamlined our work. Features such as planning, writing notes, and using necessary templates make our tasks much more convenient and provide great assistance.

 

– You actively participate in online and offline seminars organized by the league. How would you assess their quality and practical value?

– I regularly attend the seminars organized by the league. These seminars are very beneficial. The theoretical and practical sessions are often applied in our training process. The information gained positively impacts the team's development. We constantly receive interesting and useful insights from the seminars and Zoom conferences conducted by the Sports Analytics Department of the QJ League.