Yerlan Sagymbayev: Many young players have already formed a professional attitude

The Barys development coach, Yerlan Sagymbayev, told what is his responsibility, how things are going at the Youth Sports School, and also shared his opinion on which of the young players can show his best skills already this season.

- Yerlan Yerlesovich, could you tell us what the player development coach does?

- First of all, collecting information on players. Moreover, this refers not only to players who are in the Barys system now, but also to all Kazakhstan players who take part in national championship, in order to attract them to the first team and further consider their candidacies for the national team. Also, my duties include direct work with the nearest reserve, those guys who are already on notice of the Barys coaching staff. This is necessary in order for them to adapt faster to the requirements and loads that will be in the first team. Another point - communication with the coaching staffs of all the teams from our club's system.

- You are familiar with the Barys Youth Sports School, previously worked with children. Could you share with your thoughts, how are things going at our school today?

- Nowadays more than 700 children of different ages are enrolled in our school. In my opinion, Barys Youth Sports School is the best one in the republic, particularly in terms of the conditions that are created for guys. We see that number of kids who want to start playing hockey reaches 160-180 people every year. Of course, this leaves a certain imprint, and coaches have to do a lot of work. After all, it is necessary first to teach such number of children basic skills, and then to make the right selection, to identify those guys who are not only talented, but also eager to continue playing hockey. I think our coaches are highly qualified, as evidenced by results of our teams in the Kazakhstan championships.

- Graduates of the Youth Sports School have been taking first places in the Kazakhstan Youth Championship for several years. At the same time, our guys are much younger than many of their rivals. Why is this happening?

- Probably, the conditions that are created for young players come to the fore here. We have everything for guys to train calm environment, improve their level and skills. In addition, coaches have opportunity to select talented athletes who can grow into great masters in the future.

- But there is also a fly in the ointment. Despite victories in the domestic arena, our players do not always manage to prove themselves at the international level.

- Main reason is the lack of international competitive experience, international tournaments and matches. Of course, the pandemic has left a big impact. Due to various restrictions, our teams and national teams simply cannot play with stronger opponents. But the level grows even more only when competing with serious teams.

- What is the most difficult thing in transition from children's to adult hockey? Why do many players at the youth level show excellent results, but they cannot safely switch to adult hockey?

- There are many factors here. When a young player comes to the masters team, there are higher requirements. It is very important what kind of environment an athlete gets into, in what combinations and with what partners he will play, trustworthiness of coaches is important as well. Of course, another significant role is played by psychological stability of hockey player, how much he will be ready for the fact that it will be difficult here, there will be pressure and loads. Not everyone can cope with such moments. This happens individually for each player. In general, I would not say that most talented players are lost. In my memory, on the contrary, it is the talented guys who have more chances to get to the top. Another factor - limited number of places in the team of masters. Let's say 10-15 people have been trained, but a maximum of 2-3 players will get into the team, hence there will be a competition and psychological pressure again. So the strongest ones reach the first team, and the rest have to look for other options.

- Let's talk about the last youth camp. What conclusions did the coaching staff make?

- Let's just say that all guys who were in the youth camp pleasantly surprised coaching staff with their results in various tests. They came prepared, showed themselves well on the ground and on the ice. This means that many have a professional attitude. It is clear that players did not just rest in the summer, but were preparing for the new season. This is a big advantage.

- The youngest players who took part in the camp was born in 2004. How ready were the guys for such loads?

- In my opinion, they have shown themselves quite well. Yes, somewhere there is a lack of power, quick game thinking and necessary skills. But it is clear that they have a high potential. And most importantly, they have a great desire to grow and progress, as well as good athletic abilities.

- Then could you tell us, if it is possible, which of the Kazakhstan trainees is ready to make a qualitative leap now?

- At the moment Batyrlan Muratov is doing a great job and shows that he has every chance to gain a foothold in the main team. Tamirlan Gaitamirov, Eduard Shetle, Dias Gusseinov distinguished themselves as well. Among the most experienced, I can single out Misha Rakhmanov, Emil Nurgaliyev. I also think that Samat Daniyar and Adil Beketayev should express themselves fully this season. They play quite mature hockey and, as training shows, they are ready to become players of the main team.

General Partner of Barys HC – Samruk Kazyna SWF JSC

Partner of Barys HC - Tourism and Sports Industry Support Fund CF

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