Ukrainian coach Andriy Demchenko is close to returning as head coach of Astana-based Zhenis.
According to AmanVibe, the 50-year-old has arrived in Astana for final talks with the club’s management, with the two sides reportedly close to reaching an agreement.
The position became vacant on October 22 after Vladimir Slišković officially left the club, citing personal reasons.
It would be Demchenko’s second spell in charge of Zhenis. He first took over the club in June 2025. Under his management, the team played 17 matches, winning eight, drawing six and losing three. He left in December after his contract expired.
Demchenko then moved to Azerbaijan, taking charge of Araz-Nakhchivan in January 2026. He left the club at the end of the season after his contract was not renewed.
In the summer, the Ukrainian coach took over Iberia 1999 and led the Georgian club into the league phase of the UEFA Conference League, making them the first Georgian side in 22 years to reach the main stage of a European competition.
Demchenko left Iberia in September, later explaining that he and the club’s management had differing views over squad strengthening and the depth required to compete simultaneously in domestic competitions and Europe.
Since then, he has remained without a club. Demchenko has also said that he continues to follow Kazakh football closely and remains in contact with players he previously worked with at Zhenis.
After 28 matches, Zhenis sit 10th in the Kazakhstan Premier League with 32 points.