The Tajikistan national team has been in existence since 1992, and during this period it was headed by 17 coaches. Everyone had their own approach, their own style, and their own results.
On September 10, the Football Federation of Tajikistan (FFT) officially announced the early termination of the contract with the head coach of the team, Gela Shekiladze. The decision was made after the unsuccessful performance of the national team at the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, where the team, playing at home, failed to get out of the group.
However, this is not the only reshuffle: the contract with Levan Khomeriki, the coach of the Tajikistan national team (U-23), will also not be extended after the failure to qualify for the 2026 Asian Cup.
Now the fans are waiting for serious changes.: The FFT is preparing a new coaching staff, which should be approved in the coming weeks so that the team can prepare for the key matches of the 2027 Asian Cup selection.
The FFT has already started searching for a new head coach to lead the team in the crucial matches of the Asian Cup 2027. A decision should be made soon - before the October games with Maldives.
What kind of coach is needed now
According to experts, including former "Istiklol" sports director Murodjon Umarov, the best way is to invite a strong foreign mentor.
Coaches from Spain or Italy, who have already proven their effectiveness in Asia, are considered ideal.
Their strengths are:
- modern, attacking style;
- the ability to develop players and integrate young people;
- experience working with clubs and national teams at the international level.
But a foreign coach cannot work alone. It is important to include a local specialist with a Pro license in the headquarters. This approach will help to combine international experience and national peculiarities, while maintaining a balance between tactical innovations and the culture of Tajik football.
What are the fans waiting for
Today, fans want to see a team that is not only fighting to get out of the group, but is also able to impose its game on the leaders of the region. The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 tournament showed the strength of the team: a historic 2-2 draw with Iran and a 0-2 comeback proved that there is potential. But to implement it, we need a coach who can build a unified philosophy of football from the main team to academies and children's schools.
The experience of 17 mentors over 33 years of the national team's history clearly shows that success is achieved when a coach receives trust and resources for a long-term project. The national team needs a specialist system leader who will combine international experience and national staff, establish cooperation with clubs and give the team a modern style of play.
Such a coach should not just manage matches, but create a platform for the development of all Tajik football. This is what will allow the national team not only to consistently reach the Asian Cup, but also to claim new heights.
The FFT promises to announce the name of a new coach in the near future, because there is less than a month left before the decisive matches of the Asian Cup 2027: October - two matches against Maldives; November - departure to East Timor; March 2026 - home match with the Philippines.
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