21 Nov 2027
Sunday
Process
68 Edition

The Taraz Herald

15 Nov 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Aleksandr Marochkin knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Taraz, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Stanislav Samoilov

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

International call for Madiiar Nūraly

Madiiar Nūraly joins up with his country. Taraz lose him for the window and would like him back in one piece.

In brief

Back issues
67 Edition

The Taraz Herald

8 Nov 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Taraz put Azat Akhmetov on notice

The board have said in public what they had been saying in private. Results between now and the next meeting decide it, and everybody in the building knows the arithmetic.

Squad

Karim Smykov gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Boardroom

Taraz pull $390.4K back off the table

The money that was there in the summer is not there now. Nobody upstairs calls this a change of ambition, and everybody downstairs reads it as one.

Market

The Madiiar Nūraly talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Taraz know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

Boardroom

Taraz answer back

A squad written off a fortnight ago has closed ranks. Whatever was said behind that door, it has held so far.

Squad

Luis Guerra keeps his manager's vote

The message was aimed at the stands as much as the dressing room: Luis Guerra plays, and the argument is closed until the manager decides otherwise.

In brief

66 Edition

The Taraz Herald

1 Nov 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Karim Smykov: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Taraz have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

The Ersūltan Töreqūl talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Taraz know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

Squad

Yousef Vakia knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Taraz, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

65 Edition

The Taraz Herald

25 Oct 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

The silence upstairs is getting loud at Taraz

Nobody on the board has said anything against the manager, which is the point — they have stopped saying anything for him either.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Luis Guerra

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Taraz lose Nürdäulet Orynbasar

36 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

In brief

64 Edition

The Taraz Herald

18 Oct 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Luis Guerra asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Squad

Aleksandr Marochkin keeps his manager's vote

The message was aimed at the stands as much as the dressing room: Aleksandr Marochkin plays, and the argument is closed until the manager decides otherwise.

Squad

Azizzhon Berdiev is out on the grass again

He came through the session, took part in everything and finished it smiling. Taraz will not rush him, and he will spend the next fortnight trying to rush them.

63 Edition

The Taraz Herald

11 Oct 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Madiiar Nūraly called up by his country

A window away with the national side, and a shirt at Taraz that briefly doubles as an advertisement. A call-up flatters the player and the club that built him in the same breath.

Squad

Nūrlan Däirov called up by his country

A window away with the national side, and a shirt at Taraz that briefly doubles as an advertisement. A call-up flatters the player and the club that built him in the same breath.

Market

The Madiiar Nūraly talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Taraz know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

62 Edition

The Taraz Herald

4 Oct 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Azat Akhmetov has until the next board meeting

What was said behind closed doors has now been said in front of a microphone. Everybody at Taraz can do the arithmetic, including the man it is aimed at.

Squad

Bauyrzhan Baitana stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Bauyrzhan Baitana and Taraz agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Aleksandr Marochkin

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Taraz lose Azizzhon Berdiev

14 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Boardroom

$390.4K taken back off the Taraz table

What was available in the summer has quietly gone. Upstairs nobody will call it a change of ambition; downstairs nobody will call it anything else.

Market

The Ersūltan Töreqūl talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Taraz know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

61 Edition

The Taraz Herald

27 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Pressure builds in the Taraz boardroom

The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.

Squad

Egor Ališauskas says Taraz went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek has seen enough of Hapoel Acre

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Taraz, and 1 appearances in 33 say he has earned the hearing.

In brief

60 Edition

The Taraz Herald

20 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Azamat Erkinbek is a Taraz player again

He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Yousef Vakia

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Market

Talks stall between Taraz and Azamat Erkinbek

“We are a long way apart, and pretending otherwise helps nobody.” Neither side is close, and the calendar is not on the club's side.

In brief

59 Edition

The Taraz Herald

13 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Karim Smykov gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Market

The Madiiar Nūraly talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Taraz know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

Market

Window shut, Karim Smykov still here

Taraz spent the window trying to move Karim Smykov on and nobody came. He trains with a squad that has already told him he is not part of it, and both sides now wait for the next one.

In brief

58 Edition

The Taraz Herald

6 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Azat Akhmetov has until the next board meeting

What was said behind closed doors has now been said in front of a microphone. Everybody at Taraz can do the arithmetic, including the man it is aimed at.

Market

Mohammed Alam asks to leave Taraz

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Boardroom

$390.4K taken back off the Taraz table

What was available in the summer has quietly gone. Upstairs nobody will call it a change of ambition; downstairs nobody will call it anything else.

Squad

Karim Smykov knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Taraz, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

The Ersūltan Töreqūl talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Taraz know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

Squad

International call for Madiiar Nūraly

Madiiar Nūraly joins up with his country. Taraz lose him for the window and would like him back in one piece.

In brief

57 Edition

The Taraz Herald

30 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

Pressure builds in the Taraz boardroom

The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek has seen enough of Hapoel Acre

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Taraz, and 1 appearances in 29 say he has earned the hearing.

Squad

Nūrlan Däirov knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Taraz, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

56 Edition

The Taraz Herald

23 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Luis Guerra asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Market

Erasyl Keulimzhai linked with a move away

The name of Erasyl Keulimzhai keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Taraz say nothing, which says plenty.

Market

Mohammed Alam placed on the list

Taraz have made Mohammed Alam available for transfer. A career at this club is over in all but paperwork.

In brief

55 Edition

The Taraz Herald

16 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Aleksandr Marochkin gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Luis Guerra knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Taraz, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Market

The Madiiar Nūraly talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Taraz know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

Market

Mohammed Alam joins Taraz on a free

No fee and no drama: Mohammed Alam has signed at Taraz, and the wage bill is the only line that moved.

Market

Tair Nurseitov leaves for nothing

Contract settled, hands shaken, no fee changing hands. Tair Nurseitov leaves Taraz the quiet way, and the wage bill breathes a little easier.

Market

Ersūltan Baiten leaves Taraz for nothing

No fee, no negotiation, no argument: Ersūltan Baiten moves on to another club with his contract settled and the wage bill a little lighter.

In brief

54 Edition

The Taraz Herald

9 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Aleksandr Marochkin: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Taraz have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

Yousef Vakia hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Taraz can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Erkebūlan Toibekov signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Erkebūlan Toibekov commits to Taraz for another 3 years.

Market

Okzhetpes are about to pick up the phone

A conversation is coming this week. Taraz will put a number on him, and from there it stops being football and becomes arithmetic.

Squad

Zhaqyp Qozhamberdi gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Egor Ališauskas knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Taraz, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

53 Edition

The Taraz Herald

2 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

Pressure builds in the Taraz boardroom

The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.

Squad

Erkebūlan Toibekov stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Erkebūlan Toibekov and Taraz agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek has seen enough of Hapoel Acre

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Taraz, and 1 appearances in 25 say he has earned the hearing.

Squad

Stanislav Samoilov gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Taraz draw a blank against Tobol

The crowd waited for a goal that never came. Tobol defended in numbers and left with what they came for, and the two sides could be playing still without troubling a scorer.

Boardroom

Taraz pull $390.4K back off the table

The money that was there in the summer is not there now. Nobody upstairs calls this a change of ambition, and everybody downstairs reads it as one.

Squad

Egor Ališauskas asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Squad

The shirt belongs to Luis Guerra now

At 30 he has made the position his own, and the man he took it from has to find something to say about it. Taraz have a decision that made itself.

Market

The clock runs on Stanislav Samoilov's contract

12 months left and silence from upstairs — no offer, no talks, nothing for his people to answer. Clubs that let a calendar do their negotiating usually end up negotiating with the calendar.

In brief

52 Edition

The Taraz Herald

26 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Taraz see off Atyrau

Three points for Taraz, 2-1 the final word against Atyrau in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Karim Smykov

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Karim Smykov has company in his position

The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Karim Smykov keeps the shirt for now, at Taraz's convenience rather than his own.

Loan watch

Simphiwe Masilela keeps scoring at Persija

3 appearances away from home and 0 goals to show for them. Every one of them makes next summer's conversation a little more expensive.

Market

The Eskendir Qybyrai talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Taraz know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

The terraces

The press cannot get enough of Ersūltan Töreqūl

Praise is not points and never has been. It is, however, the fastest way for a valuation to move, and everybody in the game reads the same pages.

In brief

51 Edition

The Taraz Herald

19 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Yousef Vakia says Taraz went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Match

4 matches without a win for Taraz

The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Taraz are no longer polite ones.

Market

Sanzhar Kemelbek moves on

Ordabasy pay $290.0K, and the deal is done. The number reads well on a balance sheet; whether it reads well on the pitch is next season's question.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Luis Guerra

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

Taraz come up short against Akzhaiyk

Akzhaiyk left with the points after a 0-1 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Market

Yousef Vakia told to find a new club

“They were honest with me, and I would rather know.” Yousef Vakia has been informed he is not in the manager's thinking at Taraz.

In brief

50 Edition

The Taraz Herald

12 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Ūlyqbek Khaitmuratov: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Taraz have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

Taraz sell Ülan Konysbaev for $12.0K

Ülan Konysbaev has left for Aktobe in a $12.0K deal. The accountants are pleased; the supporters are less certain.

Match

Honours even between Taraz and Ordabasy

2-2, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

Squad

No place for Egor Ališauskas on the big day

He found out with everybody else, an hour before kick-off, from a sheet of paper on a wall. Nobody at Taraz pretended it was anything other than a decision about him.

Squad

Luis Guerra is off the mark for Taraz

The first one is the one every signing is asked about until it arrives. It has arrived, and he can stop being asked.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Olzhas Ädil

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

49 Edition

The Taraz Herald

5 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Karim Smykov asks to leave Taraz

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Market

Taraz turn down Okzhetpes for Ūlyqbek Khaitmuratov

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Market

Talğat Kusiapov is a Taraz player

The fee is $600.0K, the contract is signed, and the argument about whether he is worth it can begin. Aktobe drove a hard bargain; time will say who won it.

Squad

Aleksandr Marochkin gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek has seen enough of Hapoel Acre

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Taraz, and 1 appearances in 21 say he has earned the hearing.

Match

Taraz share the spoils with Shakhter

A 1-1 draw with Shakhter leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.

In brief

48 Edition

The Taraz Herald

28 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Okzhetpes come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Taraz did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Squad

Maqsat Ämirkhanov: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Taraz have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

Dias Lesbek moves on

Zhetysu pay $350.0K, and the deal is done. The number reads well on a balance sheet; whether it reads well on the pitch is next season's question.

Market

Älisher Süleimen moves on

Aktobe pay $170.0K, and the deal is done. The number reads well on a balance sheet; whether it reads well on the pitch is next season's question.

Market

Zhetysu expected to open talks for Eskendir Qybyrai

Both sides expect a conversation in the coming days. Taraz will name a price, and everything after that is arithmetic.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Yousef Vakia

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

47 Edition

The Taraz Herald

21 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

$1.0M — a new record at Taraz

No footballer has ever cost this club more, and the number will be read out every time he misplaces a pass for the next two years.

Market

Taraz sell Zhandos Ömirzaqov for $350.0K

Zhandos Ömirzaqov has left for Zhetysu in a $350.0K deal. The accountants are pleased; the supporters are less certain.

Match

Taraz find a way past Irtysh

Irtysh made Taraz work for it, but the scoreboard read 2-1 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Market

Eskendir Qybyrai attracts admirers

The name of Eskendir Qybyrai has come up in conversations Taraz were not part of. Nothing formal, nothing signed — but nothing about it accidental either.

Squad

Bilal Laurendon gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Älisher Sulei is off the mark for Taraz

The first one is the one every signing is asked about until it arrives. It has arrived, and he can stop being asked.

Market

Tair Nurseitov is free to find somewhere else

“I was told straight, and I would rather have it straight.” The manager at Taraz has been clear about where Tair Nurseitov stands, which is more than many ever get.

Squad

Somebody is after Salam Jiddou’s shirt

A new face in his position, and Salam Jiddou suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Taraz have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.

Squad

Salam Jiddou unhappy with how he is being used

Asked to play a role that is not his, or taken off before the hour once too often — Salam Jiddou has let it be known that he does not like the way Taraz are using him. Managers hear this long before the press does.

In brief

46 Edition

The Taraz Herald

14 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Ülan Konysbaev hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Taraz can pretend not to have heard.

Match

5 matches without a win for Taraz

The run now stands at 5, and the questions being asked around Taraz are no longer polite ones.

Market

Hapoel Tel Aviv watching Simphiwe Masilela

The interest is real enough to have reached print. Taraz have said nothing, which in a transfer window is its own kind of answer.

Match

A bad afternoon for Taraz against Aktobe

0-1 to Aktobe, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

Dias Lesbek gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Madiiar Nūraly asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

45 Edition

The Taraz Herald

7 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Karim Smykov asks to leave Taraz

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Match

4 matches without a win for Taraz

The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Taraz are no longer polite ones.

Match

Taraz come up short against Astana

Astana left with the points after a 0-1 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek has seen enough of Hapoel Acre

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Taraz, and 1 appearances in 17 say he has earned the hearing.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Zhaqyp Qozhamberdi

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

The armband comes off Madiiar Nūraly

Taraz will explain it as a decision about the team, and it may well be one. A dressing room has never once read it that way.

In brief

44 Edition

The Taraz Herald

31 May 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

A bad afternoon for Taraz against Kairat

0-2 to Kairat, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Yousef Vakia

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Karim Smykov keeps his manager's vote

The message was aimed at the stands as much as the dressing room: Karim Smykov plays, and the argument is closed until the manager decides otherwise.

In brief

43 Edition

The Taraz Herald

24 May 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Stanislav Samoilov says Taraz went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Zhandos Ömirzaqov

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

Taraz draw a blank against Zhetysu

The crowd waited for a goal that never came. Zhetysu defended in numbers and left with what they came for, and the two sides could be playing still without troubling a scorer.

In brief

42 Edition

The Taraz Herald

17 May 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Bilal Laurendon keeps Taraz in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 7 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Ersūltan Töreqūl

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

Taraz and Tobol cancel each other out

Nil-nil, and few chances worth the name. Tobol came to defend and left with exactly what they came for.

In brief

41 Edition

The Taraz Herald

10 May 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Karim Smykov asks to leave Taraz

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Match

Taraz see off Atyrau

Three points for Taraz, 1-0 the final word against Atyrau in a contest settled by the finer margins.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Nūrlan Däirov

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek has seen enough of Hapoel Acre

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Taraz, and 1 appearances in 13 say he has earned the hearing.

Squad

Ersūltan Töreqūl is off the mark for Taraz

The first one is the one every signing is asked about until it arrives. It has arrived, and he can stop being asked.

Squad

Erasyl Keulimzhai knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Taraz, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

40 Edition

The Taraz Herald

3 May 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

No end in sight to Taraz's wait for a win

12 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Taraz has to find a result from somewhere.

Match

Taraz come up short against Akzhaiyk

Akzhaiyk left with the points after a 0-1 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Erkebūlan Toibekov

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

39 Edition

The Taraz Herald

26 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

11 matches without a win for Taraz

The run now stands at 11, and the questions being asked around Taraz are no longer polite ones.

Match

Taraz sink to position 10

6 points, and a fixture list that is running out. The mathematics are not yet cruel, but they are no longer kind.

Market

Simphiwe Masilela hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Taraz can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Zakhar Porokh says Taraz went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Match

Taraz come up short against Ordabasy

Ordabasy left with the points after a 0-1 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Simphiwe Masilela

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

38 Edition

The Taraz Herald

19 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

10 matches without a win for Taraz

The run now stands at 10, and the questions being asked around Taraz are no longer polite ones.

Market

Yousef Vakia asks to leave Taraz

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Nevot Ratner: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Taraz have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

In brief

37 Edition

The Taraz Herald

12 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

9 matches without a win for Taraz

The run now stands at 9, and the questions being asked around Taraz are no longer polite ones.

Match

The cup run ends for Taraz

1-1 against Atyrau, and the road stops here. Cup exits are quick deaths — no second leg, no next week, just the league from now until May.

Squad

Bilal Laurendon keeps Taraz in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 8 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Market

Karim Smykov hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Taraz can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Nūrlan Däirov gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek wants to come home

“I did not go to Hapoel Acre to sit and watch. I want to come back to Taraz and fight for my place.” 1 appearances in 9 matches say the rest.

Match

Honours even between Taraz and Okzhetpes

1-1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

Squad

Salam Jiddou finally opens his account

He wheeled away like a man who had been carrying it for months, because he had. Taraz have their signing off the mark and one press-conference question retired.

Squad

Yousef Vakia knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Taraz, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

36 Edition

The Taraz Herald

5 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

No end in sight to Taraz's wait for a win

7 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Taraz has to find a result from somewhere.

Squad

Ersūltan Töreqūl gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Bauyrzhan Baitana loses the armband

The captaincy has been taken off Bauyrzhan Baitana. Taraz will call it a decision about the team; a dressing room reads it as a verdict on a man.

Match

Taraz draw a blank against Irtysh

The crowd waited for a goal that never came. Irtysh defended in numbers and left with what they came for, and the two sides could be playing still without troubling a scorer.

Squad

Älisher Sulei handed the armband

The captaincy goes to Älisher Sulei. It is not a job that wins matches, but a dressing room always notices who is given it.

Squad

The shirt belongs to Bilal Laurendon now

At 21 he has made the position his own, and the man he took it from has to find something to say about it. Taraz have a decision that made itself.

In brief

35 Edition

The Taraz Herald

29 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

No end in sight to Taraz's wait for a win

6 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Taraz has to find a result from somewhere.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Bilal Laurendon

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

Taraz come up short against Aktobe

Aktobe left with the points after a 0-1 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

In brief

34 Edition

The Taraz Herald

22 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

No end in sight to Taraz's wait for a win

5 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Taraz has to find a result from somewhere.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Dias Lesbek

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

No goals between Taraz and Astana

Ninety minutes, two goalkeepers with clean gloves, and not one finish worth keeping. Astana will be the happier side with the point.

In brief

33 Edition

The Taraz Herald

15 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Maqsat Ämirkhanov: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Taraz have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Match

No end in sight to Taraz's wait for a win

4 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Taraz has to find a result from somewhere.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Yousef Vakia

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek wants to come home

“I did not go to Hapoel Acre to sit and watch. I want to come back to Taraz and fight for my place.” 1 appearances in 5 matches say the rest.

Match

Taraz and Kairat cancel each other out

Nil-nil, and few chances worth the name. Kairat came to defend and left with exactly what they came for.

Squad

Merei Zhambyl makes his debut at 20

At 20 years old, Merei Zhambyl became the latest name off the academy production line to be handed a senior shirt.

In brief

32 Edition

The Taraz Herald

8 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Älisher Süleimen’s move to Aktobe falls through

The deal that would have taken Älisher Süleimen to Aktobe has collapsed at the last stage, and he reports back to Taraz with a summer to forget and a season still to play. Nobody is saying which side walked away.

Squad

Salam Jiddou signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Salam Jiddou commits to Taraz for another 4 years.

Market

Talgat Baizhanov is a Taraz player again

He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.

Market

Islambek Beysebekov comes home

The shirt still fits. Islambek Beysebekov is back at Taraz, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.

Market

Islambek Postnikov comes home

The shirt still fits. Islambek Postnikov is back at Taraz, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.

Squad

Ersūltan Töreqūl gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

31 Edition

The Taraz Herald

1 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Aktobe are about to pick up the phone

A conversation is coming this week. Taraz will put a number on him, and from there it stops being football and becomes arithmetic.

Squad

Is this Ülan Konysbaev’s last season?

“I will know when it is time. I am not there yet.” Ülan Konysbaev is 37, with 0 appearances behind him, and Taraz will have to plan for whichever answer comes.

Market

Window shut, Dias Lesbek still here

Taraz spent the window trying to move Dias Lesbek on and nobody came. He trains with a squad that has already told him he is not part of it, and both sides now wait for the next one.

In brief

30 Edition

The Taraz Herald

22 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Älisher Süleimen hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Taraz can pretend not to have heard.

Boardroom

85% of the income goes out in wages at Taraz

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Squad

Älisher Süleimen has company in his position

The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Älisher Süleimen keeps the shirt for now, at Taraz's convenience rather than his own.

Market

Ülan Konysbaev placed on the list

Taraz have made Ülan Konysbaev available for transfer. A career at this club is over in all but paperwork.

Market

Taraz bring in Bilal Laurendon on loan

A season-long audition: Neftchi still own him, but the shirt and the minutes are Taraz's to give. A loan is a bet both clubs believe they are winning.

Market

The Erasyl Keulimzhai talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Taraz know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

29 Edition

The Taraz Herald

15 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Taraz sell Miras Zhaqsymbetov for $140.0K

Miras Zhaqsymbetov has left for Zhetysu in a $140.0K deal. The accountants are pleased; the supporters are less certain.

Squad

Yousef Vakia has company in his position

The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Yousef Vakia keeps the shirt for now, at Taraz's convenience rather than his own.

Market

Simphiwe Masilela linked with a move away

The name of Simphiwe Masilela keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Taraz say nothing, which says plenty.

In brief

28 Edition

The Taraz Herald

8 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Zhandos Ömirzaqov hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Taraz can pretend not to have heard.

Market

Taraz turn down Zhetysu for Tair Nurseitov

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Squad

Karim Smykov stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Karim Smykov and Taraz agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Älisher Süleimen

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Market

Ülan Konysbaev told to find a new club

“They were honest with me, and I would rather know.” Ülan Konysbaev has been informed he is not in the manager's thinking at Taraz.

Market

Taraz put Älisher Süleimen up for sale

The list is a quiet document with a loud meaning. Älisher Süleimen may talk to anybody who asks, and everybody at the club understands what that means.

In brief

27 Edition

The Taraz Herald

1 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Erasyl Keulimzhai asks to leave Taraz

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Market

Taraz turn down Zhetysu for Miras Zhaqsymbetov

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Squad

Ersūltan Töreqūl out for 15 days

The medical room confirms 15 days on the sidelines for Ersūltan Töreqūl, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Market

Aibol Kuat is a Taraz player

The fee is $17.0K, the contract is signed, and the argument about whether he is worth it can begin. Irtysh drove a hard bargain; time will say who won it.

Market

Tair Nurseitov attracts admirers

The name of Tair Nurseitov has come up in conversations Taraz were not part of. Nothing formal, nothing signed — but nothing about it accidental either.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Ersūltan Töreqūl

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

26 Edition

The Taraz Herald

25 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Dias Lesbek hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Taraz can pretend not to have heard.

Boardroom

Wages eat 102% of everything Taraz earn

There is a figure at which a wage bill stops being ambitious and becomes the reason nothing else is possible, and this club has reached it. Nothing is left over for a transfer, a stand or a rainy afternoon.

Squad

The manager comes out for Karim Smykov

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Karim Smykov has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

25 Edition

The Taraz Herald

18 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Salam Jiddou keeps his manager's vote

The message was aimed at the stands as much as the dressing room: Salam Jiddou plays, and the argument is closed until the manager decides otherwise.

Squad

Yousef Vakia is out on the grass again

He came through the session, took part in everything and finished it smiling. Taraz will not rush him, and he will spend the next fortnight trying to rush them.

24 Edition

The Taraz Herald

11 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

The manager comes out for Älisher Sulei

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Älisher Sulei has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

23 Edition

The Taraz Herald

4 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Älisher Süleimen gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Yousef Vakia keeps his manager's vote

The message was aimed at the stands as much as the dressing room: Yousef Vakia plays, and the argument is closed until the manager decides otherwise.

Squad

Erasyl Keulimzhai back in training

A welcome sight on the training pitch: Erasyl Keulimzhai has come through recovery and is pushing for a place again.

22 Edition

The Taraz Herald

28 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

Wages eat 204% of everything Taraz earn

There is a figure at which a wage bill stops being ambitious and becomes the reason nothing else is possible, and this club has reached it. Nothing is left over for a transfer, a stand or a rainy afternoon.

Squad

The manager comes out for Miras Zhaqsymbetov

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Miras Zhaqsymbetov has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

Squad

Bauyrzhan Baitana back in training

A welcome sight on the training pitch: Bauyrzhan Baitana has come through recovery and is pushing for a place again.

21 Edition

The Taraz Herald

21 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

The manager comes out for Älisher Süleimen

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Älisher Süleimen has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

20 Edition

The Taraz Herald

14 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

The manager comes out for Älisher Sulei

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Älisher Sulei has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

Squad

Ersūltan Töreqūl back in training

A welcome sight on the training pitch: Ersūltan Töreqūl has come through recovery and is pushing for a place again.

19 Edition

The Taraz Herald

7 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Älisher Süleimen gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

The manager comes out for Dias Lesbek

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Dias Lesbek has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

18 Edition

The Taraz Herald

30 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

258% of the income goes out in wages at Taraz

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Squad

The manager comes out for Miras Zhaqsymbetov

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Miras Zhaqsymbetov has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

Squad

Karim Smykov back in training

A welcome sight on the training pitch: Karim Smykov has come through recovery and is pushing for a place again.

17 Edition

The Taraz Herald

23 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

The manager comes out for Simphiwe Masilela

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Simphiwe Masilela has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

Squad

Azamat Erden back in training

A welcome sight on the training pitch: Azamat Erden has come through recovery and is pushing for a place again.

16 Edition

The Taraz Herald

16 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

The manager comes out for Älisher Sulei

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Älisher Sulei has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

15 Edition

The Taraz Herald

9 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Ertore Zhanybekuly out for 15 days

The medical room confirms 15 days on the sidelines for Ertore Zhanybekuly, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek has seen enough of Okzhetpes

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Taraz, and 0 appearances in 9 say he has earned the hearing.

Squad

Mohammed Ensebaev keeps his manager's vote

The message was aimed at the stands as much as the dressing room: Mohammed Ensebaev plays, and the argument is closed until the manager decides otherwise.

In brief

14 Edition

The Taraz Herald

2 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

258% of the income goes out in wages at Taraz

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Squad

The manager comes out for Andrei Pasechenko

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Andrei Pasechenko has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

13 Edition

The Taraz Herald

26 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

The manager comes out for Dias Lesbek

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Dias Lesbek has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

Squad

Azamat Erkinbek back in training

A welcome sight on the training pitch: Azamat Erkinbek has come through recovery and is pushing for a place again.

12 Edition

The Taraz Herald

19 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

The manager comes out for Karim Smykov

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Karim Smykov has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

Squad

Yousef Vakia back in training

A welcome sight on the training pitch: Yousef Vakia has come through recovery and is pushing for a place again.

11 Edition

The Taraz Herald

12 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Taraz lose Ertore Zhanybekuly

46 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Loan watch

Nūraidar Äskerbek has seen enough of Okzhetpes

“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Taraz, and 0 appearances in 5 say he has earned the hearing.

Squad

The manager comes out for Simphiwe Masilela

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Simphiwe Masilela has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

In brief

10 Edition

The Taraz Herald

5 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

446% of the income goes out in wages at Taraz

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Squad

Is this Maqsat Ämirkhanov’s last season?

“I will know when it is time. I am not there yet.” Maqsat Ämirkhanov is 34, with 0 appearances behind him, and Taraz will have to plan for whichever answer comes.

9 Edition

The Taraz Herald

28 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Salam Jiddou has company in his position

The competition arrived without a word said to him about it. Salam Jiddou keeps the shirt for now, at Taraz's convenience rather than his own.

Market

Taraz put Eskendir Qybyrai up for sale

The list is a quiet document with a loud meaning. Eskendir Qybyrai may talk to anybody who asks, and everybody at the club understands what that means.

Market

Taraz pick up Abdoulaye Guèye for nothing

The best deals are the ones the accountants never notice. Abdoulaye Guèye arrives at Taraz with his wages the only cost and something to prove the only clause.

In brief

8 Edition

The Taraz Herald

21 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Window shut, Eskendir Qybyrai still here

Taraz spent the window trying to move Eskendir Qybyrai on and nobody came. He trains with a squad that has already told him he is not part of it, and both sides now wait for the next one.

Squad

The manager comes out for Ūlyqbek Khaitmuratov

Public backing, and the sort that costs a manager something if it turns out to be wrong. Ūlyqbek Khaitmuratov has been told in front of everybody that the shirt is his.

Squad

David Dertsap is out on the grass again

He came through the session, took part in everything and finished it smiling. Taraz will not rush him, and he will spend the next fortnight trying to rush them.

7 Edition

The Taraz Herald

14 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

The window shut and Maqsat Ämirkhanov is still in the building

Taraz spent a month trying to move him and nobody rang back. He trains with a squad that has told him where he stands, and both sides start counting down to the next one.

6 Edition

The Taraz Herald

7 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Miras Zhaqsymbetov asks to leave Taraz

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Market

Erkebūlan Rakhmetulla moves on

Zhetysu pay $140.0K, and the deal is done. The number reads well on a balance sheet; whether it reads well on the pitch is next season's question.

Market

Madiiar Mergenbaev moves on

Tobol pay $70.0K, and the deal is done. The number reads well on a balance sheet; whether it reads well on the pitch is next season's question.

Boardroom

376% of the income goes out in wages at Taraz

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Market

Eskendir Qybyrai told to find a new club

“They were honest with me, and I would rather know.” Eskendir Qybyrai has been informed he is not in the manager's thinking at Taraz.

Squad

Somebody is after Salam Jiddou’s shirt

A new face in his position, and Salam Jiddou suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Taraz have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.

In brief

5 Edition

The Taraz Herald

31 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Azamat Erkinbek asks to leave Taraz

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Market

Okzhetpes watching Nūraidar Äskerbek

The interest is real enough to have reached print. Taraz have said nothing, which in a transfer window is its own kind of answer.

Market

Tobol expected to open talks for Madiiar Mergenbaev

Both sides expect a conversation in the coming days. Taraz will name a price, and everything after that is arithmetic.

In brief

4 Edition

The Taraz Herald

24 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Tair Nurseitov hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Taraz can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Maqsat Ämirkhanov gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Market

Maqsat Ämirkhanov placed on the list

Taraz have made Maqsat Ämirkhanov available for transfer. A career at this club is over in all but paperwork.

In brief

3 Edition

The Taraz Herald

17 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

The cup run ends for Taraz

0-1 against Atyrau, and the road stops here. Cup exits are quick deaths — no second leg, no next week, just the league from now until May.

Squad

Dias Lesbek gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Taraz lose Azamat Erden

15 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

In brief

2 Edition

The Taraz Herald

10 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Taraz turn down Akzhaiyk for Miras Zhaqsymbetov

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Market

Taraz and Jo'rabek Mannonov are talking past each other

“There is a gap, and pretending there is not helps nobody.” Neither side has moved, and the calendar is working for exactly one of them.

Market

Nobody at Taraz has picked up the phone to Ersūltan Töreqūl

48 months to run and not a word offered. A club that lets the calendar negotiate for it usually ends up losing to the calendar.

In brief

1 Edition

The Taraz Herald

3 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Crisis

Squad

Bauyrzhan Baitana signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Bauyrzhan Baitana commits to Taraz for another 2 years.

Match

Tobol take the points off Taraz

Beaten 1-2, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Market

Atyrau watching Erkebūlan Toibekov

The interest is real enough to have reached print. Taraz have said nothing, which in a transfer window is its own kind of answer.

Squad

Andrei Pasechenko gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Market

Nobody at Taraz has picked up the phone to Nūrlan Däirov

36 months to run and not a word offered. A club that lets the calendar negotiate for it usually ends up losing to the calendar.

Market

Taraz and Erasyl Keulimzhai are talking past each other

“There is a gap, and pretending there is not helps nobody.” Neither side has moved, and the calendar is working for exactly one of them.

In brief