Temur Kapadze Speaks About the Victory Over Nasaf and Refereeing

Navbahor defeated Nasaf in Namangan. However, the 1–0 victory was far from easy: the hosts lost a player early in the second half. Despite this, the Namangan side held on to all three points.

After the match, head coach Temur Kapadze spoke openly about his team’s character, G‘iyosov’s injury, Kojo’s condition, refereeing and the state of the pitch.

“Being down to 10 men made things difficult. Nevertheless, the players showed great character,” Kapadze said.

1. A difficult but important victory for Navbahor

Kapadze emphasized that the team had prepared seriously ahead of the match against Nasaf. In the coach’s view, the game was not easy because the opposition were strong.

• Special preparations were made for the match against Nasaf;

• the team was reduced to 10 men after the red card;

• the players fought until the final whistle;

• the fans’ support played an important role.

The coach also said the victory was a good birthday present for the regional governor. He noted that it was Kojo’s birthday as well, making the win especially important.

2. All attention now turns to Mash’al

Navbahor face another important fixture in a short space of time. The team will next take on Mash’al away from home.

Kapadze admitted that the run of consecutive matches would not be easy. After that, Navbahor will host Nasaf again before beginning preparations for a cup match.

“It is difficult to say anything in advance. There are no easy opponents. Everyone takes to the pitch to win,” the coach said.

3. G‘iyosov’s absence is a major loss

Kapadze also provided an update on the injury suffered by one of the team’s key players, G‘iyosov.

According to him, the player was active in the match against Bunyodkor. G‘iyosov was injured after a challenge by a defender and is currently receiving treatment in Tashkent.

“We will be happy to see him return as soon as possible,” Kapadze said.

The coach added that the squad includes players capable of replacing him.

4. Kapadze avoids harsh criticism of the refereeing

Kapadze also commented on the controversial incidents during the match but refrained from criticizing the officials.

He noted that refereeing such intense matches is not easy either. Since he had not seen the controversial episodes in full, he did not want to assess them.

Kapadze also pointed out that the referees were of a high standard.

5. Finding his rhythm is Kojo’s most important task

The coach said Kojo needs time to adapt to the team and reach his optimal form.

Navbahor could also consider playing with two strikers. However, such a tactic could affect the balance in midfield.

According to Kapadze, the team is growing stronger after every match.

6. Another issue concerns Navbahor

Kapadze made no secret of his desire for the team to play combination football. However, he stressed that the condition of the pitch was seriously affecting this plan.

“I also want us to play combination football. But as you can see, the ball is bouncing. There are many physical battles,” he said.

In the coach’s view, the condition of the pitches could improve once summer ends and September approaches. He said this problem affects not only Navbahor but other clubs as well.

The main objective is to recover the lost points

Kapadze’s most important message was that the team must make up for the points it dropped in the first round.

The coach specifically emphasized that when playing in front of Navbahor’s fans, the players’ mentality and fighting spirit are particularly strong.

For the Namangan side, the main task is now clear: after defeating Nasaf, they must secure the desired result against Mash’al as well.

Kapadze’s comments show that the team is working to improve not only its results but also the quality of its football. To achieve this, player recovery and the condition of the pitches are becoming equally important factors.

Do you think Temur Kapadze’s Navbahor can maintain the strong character it showed with 10 men and win the league title or the Uzbekistan Cup this season?

Share your analytical thoughts in the comments and immediately share this important interview with Navbahor fans!