A native of Karaganda and a student of the local football school, Shatsky joined Shakhtar’s main team in 2008, but spent three years on the bench of the Karaganda club, without playing a single match during this period in the Kazakhstan Premier League. In 2012, the goalkeeper moved to Astana-1964 (the successor to the capitalS Zhenis, which recently returned to its former name and place in the KPL). As part of Astana 1964, the young goalkeeper became the bronze medalist of the first division in his first season, but never made it to the KPL with him – and in 2014 he returned to his small homeland, the Karaganda region.
Shatsky spent the 2014 season with Bulat-AMT from Temirtau in the first division, and a year later he became the main goalkeeper of karaganda Shakhtar, for which he played 114 matches in the KPL until 2019. And it was during this period (in 2019) that he received his first call-up to the Kazakhstan national team, for which he has now played 33 matches, becoming the main goalkeeper of the national team today.In 2020, Shatsky moved to Kostanay Tobol, became a KPL silver medalist, but did not stay there for long – in 2021 he again put on the Shakhtar sweater, playing three more seasons for them.
together with the Karaganda team, he reached the final of the Kazakhstan Cup in 2021, but he failed to take the trophy with the club from his hometown – in the decisive match, the Karaganda team then lost the trophy to Almaty “Kairat” on penalties. Last season, Shatsky still won the national Cup, but as part of Aktobe, with whom he signed a one-year agreement and with whom he won bronze in the 2024 KPL. Shakhtar, meanwhile, was relegated from the top football division to the first for the first time in its history, so the news that Shatsky was returning to Karaganda became sensational.
“I’m returning to Shakhtar. I made this decision because I feel indirectly guilty for not being there for Shakhtar when it was needed. I will make every effort to ensure that Shakhtar returns to the Premier League,” the goalkeeper wrote in his Instagram story.
Let us note that the main goalkeeper of the Karaganda team in the 2024 season, Egor Tsuprikov, moved to Elimay from Semey in early December, so Shatsky will unconditionally be No. 1 at Shakhtar. Another question is whether he will retain the status of the main goalkeeper of the national team, playing in the first division: nevertheless, the level of play in the KPL is much higher.
However, it is not yet entirely clear who will continue to lead the Kazakhstan national team: the future of Stanislav Cherchesov as its head coach is in big question after the failure of the national team in the Nations League this fall (one draw and five defeats in six matches), who hired him for this job President of the Kazakhstan Football Federation adilet Barmenkulov is now the ex-president of the KFF. And the question of who will lead the team will be decided by the new president, whose elections will take place on December 20 – six candidates are vying for this post.
What role do grassroots football programs play in professional player progress?
Certainly! Below is a fictional yet engaging interview between a Time.news editor and an expert in the field of youth football development, inspired by the initial context you’ve provided regarding a native of Karaganda and a student of a local football school.
Time.news Editor: welcome,everyone,to this insightful session! Today,we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. elena Novikova,a leading expert in youth sports development and the grassroots football program in Kazakhstan. Dr. Novikova, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Novikova: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in! I recently read about a young talent emerging from Karaganda who has been making waves in local football schools. How critically important are these grassroots programs in nurturing future stars?
Dr. Novikova: Grassroots programs are absolutely crucial! They serve as the foundation for a player’s development.In places like Karaganda, where football culture is rich but resources might be limited, local schools provide structured training and a platform for young talent to hone their skills.
Editor: It sounds like a community effort is at play here. Can you share more about what these football schools typically offer to aspiring players?
Dr.Novikova: Certainly! These schools focus on not just technical skills but also physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline. They emphasize a holistic approach to development, where young players learn the values of sportsmanship and resilience. Coaches ofen have backgrounds in professional football, which brings valuable experience to the training process.
Editor: That’s fascinating! With a growing interest in football among youth, what do you think differentiates a standout player from the rest, especially in a competitive environment?
Dr. Novikova: Great question! It often comes down to a combination of raw talent,work ethic,and the ability to learn from failures. While natural ability is important, the best players constantly seek to improve, adapt to their teammates, and have a strong mental game.Support from family and coaches also plays a vital role.
Editor: Speaking of support,how does the local community in Karaganda engage with its football school and young players?
dr.Novikova: The community’s engagement is vital.They attend matches, organise events, and even fundraise for necessary equipment. Local businesses frequently enough partner with football schools to sponsor teams, which in turn creates a sense of pride and belonging among fans. This community support can motivate young players considerably.
Editor: That sense of belonging is indeed powerful.Now, with the rise of digital platforms, how has technology impacted youth football training and exposure for players from regions like Karaganda?
Dr. Novikova: Technology has revolutionized youth training! Players now have access to online tutorials, training modules, and analytical tools to improve their game.Social media allows them to showcase their skills to a broader audience, potentially attracting scouts and coaches from around the globe. This exposure is notably beneficial for players from smaller communities.
Editor: Amazing! As we look to the future, what advice would you give to aspiring young football players in Karaganda and similar regions?
dr. Novikova: My advice would be to stay dedicated and never lose sight of your passion for the sport. Build a strong support network—friends, family, and coaches—and be open to learning. Lastly,enjoy the journey! Football is as much about fun and camaraderie as it is about competition.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Novikova! Your insights into grassroots football development are invaluable, and it’s exciting to see the potential of young players in regions like Karaganda. We look forward to seeing how these programs evolve and support the next generation of football stars!
Dr.Novikova: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to share my thoughts on this important topic.
This fictional interview aims to highlight the importance of grassroots football schools in nurturing talent while giving an engaging insight into the broader implications of youth sports development.