The Capital Kick-off: How Private Landscape is Changing Football in Kazakhstan
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Since the inception of the Kazakh Premier League (KPL) in 1992, the league has largely operated under state-controlled ownership. This was until 2014, when businessman Kairat Boranbaev purchased a majority stake in Kairat Almaty from previous owners KazRosGas - a state-regulated oil company. Boranbaev’s investments - most notably the construction of the country’s first professional youth academy - marked a turning point in the trajectory of professional football in Kazakhstan, emphasising private ownership and youth development. Yet for a number of years, the rest of the league did not follow suit. That is until 2025, when President Kasym-Jomart Tokaev announced plans to transfer control of professional football clubs to the private sector. As a result, Kazakh football has witnessed an influx of mass private investments into various clubs across the league. As of today, 6 of the 14 teams in the Kazakh Premier League are privately-owned, with the process of privatisation planned for completion by March 2026. This illustrates a clear contrast from the previous decade, when Kairat Almaty stood alone as the only private club in the country.
This policy was designed to redirect national funding toward grassroots youth development while requiring professional clubs to become fully self-sustainable through matchday revenue, sponsorship deals and media rights. Tokaev posits that the aim of this plan is to create a sustainable model, whereby clubs are in a position to generate returns independently, develop youth infrastructure and future talent. Tokaev stressed that privatisation represents an investment into the long-term future of football in Kazakhstan, rather than a withdrawal of state support.
As a result, KPL has welcomed two former stars from the English Premier League (EPL) in Nani and Victor Moses. Nani, who announced his retirement in December 2024, has come out of retirement to sign with Aktobe, ahead of the 2026 season. The 4-time Premier League and a former Champions League winner with Manchester United brings extensive European experience to the club, as they chase their first league title since 2014.
Days later, Kaysar Kyzlorda added Victor Moses, former Premier League winner with Chelsea. Moses, like Nani, has shared the stage with the biggest players and managers of their generation, having crossed paths with Antonio Conte at both Chelsea and Inter Milan, capturing domestic league titles with both clubs.
Some may wonder - will such marquee signings impair the game time of domestic youth products? That appears unlikely. Moses and Nani, for as illustrious careers as they have had, are both facing the twilight of their careers. Aside from boosting the profile of the league and the squads of their respective clubs, they were likely brought in to also fulfil a mentorship role. Their veteran presence on the pitch and in the dressing room provides a valuable learning opportunity for young talents as they progress in their careers, helping elevate the level of youth prospects rather than stifling their development. If managed effectively, this strategy holds great potential in allowing Kazakh youth to come through and develop without sacrificing short-term competition.