Neftchi appoints Islombek Ismoilov as new head coach

Neftchi Fergana has appointed Islombek Ismoilov as the club’s new head coach, tasking the young specialist with defending the team’s Super League title and strengthening its position domestically and internationally.

Photo: Fergana regional administration

The Fergana regional administration’s press service confirmed that the club has signed a contract with Ismoilov, the former head coach of Uzbekistan’s U-17 national team.

Born in Margilan, Ismoilov has rapidly gained recognition as one of the most promising coaches in Uzbek football. Under his leadership, the U-17 national team impressed with its modern playing style, discipline, and strong character, successfully representing Uzbekistan on the international stage.

According to Neftchi’s statement, the club’s leadership has set several key objectives for the new head coach:

– maintaining and consolidating the championship title;
– performing successfully in the elite stage of the AFC Champions League;
– ensuring the team’s competitiveness and long-term development.

Ismoilov replaces Vitaliy Levchenko, who had led Neftchi since 2022. Levchenko guided the club to its long-awaited Super League championship last season and was named Coach of the Season.

His appointment comes amid a wave of coaching changes in the Uzbekistan Super League. Earlier, Navbahor Namangan appointed former national team head coach Timur Kapadze, while Andijon hired another former national team coach, Samvel Babayan.