Translated with AI
Turkmen specialist Vitaly Kafanov, goalkeeping coach for the Russian national team and former coach of FC Rostov, commented on the progress of Tajikistan national team goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov since his move to the Russian Premier League (RPL) in an interview with the Fergana.ru news agency.
"At first, it was difficult for Rustam to immediately play at the new level of the Russian championship. This is a normal adaptation process that all footballers go through. It took him about three months, and then he played consistently from November 1st to June 1st, without relinquishing his place as the starting goalkeeper," Kafanov noted in an interview with Fergana.
He emphasized that Yatimov improved significantly in the 2024/25 season and became one of the league's most notable goalkeepers. "His value increased seven to eightfold over the course of the season. He was named Man of the Match in five matches, was named RPL Player of the Month in December, and was named the Russian Cup's Best Goalkeeper by the end of the season. He'll remember this season for the rest of his life," the specialist added.
Kafanov also noted his personal role in Yatimov's transfer to Rostov: "I spent a season with him, brought him to the club, and to some extent, I am responsible for his development. I care about him, as well as his future career."
The specialist emphasized that he continues to monitor Yatimov's career as part of his work with all goalkeepers on the Russian national team.
Vitaly Kafanov is a renowned coach who previously worked with goalkeepers for the Kazakhstan and Russian national teams, as well as at Rubin and Rostov. He is the author of the book "No Margin for Mistakes" (2020), and has helped develop several top goalkeepers in the post-Soviet space.
Rustam Yatimov, who has become the most expensive player on the Tajikistan national team, continues to demonstrate his high level of performance in the Russian arena and strengthens his position as an international goalkeeper.
