Veteran Russian coach Gadzhi Gadzhiev has joined Uzbek club Gazalkent in a development role. Eurasia Football understands that the 80-year-old will oversee the development of young players and the club’s coaching staff.
The two sides have agreed to work together next season. Gadzhiev has already started working with Gazalkent and is currently familiarising himself with the club’s structure, training process and player-development system. From the 2027 season, his role in the project is expected to become fully operational.
One of Gadzhiev’s main responsibilities will be to develop the club’s system for preparing young players, as well as working with Gazalkent’s coaches and helping improve their qualifications.
According to Eurasia Football, Gadzhiev will work directly within the club structure. Reports that he could also be involved in training Uzbek coaches as part of cooperation with the Uzbekistan Football Association are incorrect.
Gazalkent is one of the newer privately funded projects in Uzbek football. The original club was founded in 1993 and spent several seasons in Uzbekistan’s First League before later ceasing operations. Its revival was officially announced on December 19, 2025.
The project is financed by private investors and was designed from the outset with a strong focus on scouting and developing young players. Youth and U21-age footballers already play a significant role in the first team.
In the current season, Gazalkent are competing in the Pro League, Uzbekistan’s second tier. The club reached the quarter-finals of the Uzbekistan Cup and remain in contention for promotion.
The 2026 season is Gazalkent’s first since returning to professional football. With three rounds remaining, the team sit fourth in the Pro League with 41 points from 23 matches.
Gazalkent also reached the Uzbekistan Cup quarter-finals, where they were due to face Super League side Navbahor in Namangan on October 21.
Gadzhiev is one of the best-known Russian coaches of his generation. He has managed Anzhi, Krylya Sovetov, Volga and Amkar, and was also part of the coaching staff of the Soviet Olympic team that won gold at the 1988 Games.