Kaká: “I get pleasure when I watch the Kazakhstan Championship U13”
- You were awarded the Order of Dostyk of second degree, what emotions did you experience?
- It was unexpected for me. When I learned about it, I thought it was just a joke. I was in Almaty and was told that the next day I had to fly to Astana for the awarding. For me it was a shock and a very important moment, a reason for pride. I am not a citizen of Kazakhstan and received such an order from the head of state - it causes great emotions and responsibility. At the same time, yes, I received the order, but the work is not finished and it will never end.
- You are already the sixth year in Kazakhstan. Have you changed your mind about the country and the state of futsal for this period?
- The country is developing in sports, particularly in futsal. When I first came to Kazakhstan, there was some disappointment, there was a question whether I could realize my ideas. But three years later, especially after the World Cup in Lithuania, there was enthusiasm, there was strength to continue to work and help the development of futsal in the country.
But the main change in my perception is that Kazakhstan is closer to me every time, I automatically always defend the country, I do not feel like a foreigner here.
- The World Cup in Uzbekistan ended a few months ago. Have you reevaluated this tournament during this time? And what pros and cons would you note in our team's performance?
- At this World Cup I felt that we were confident in a successful result, but we did not achieve it. But at the same time, people who strongly believed in us and hoped for this result, they did not turn away and supported us. This reaction is a big plus for us, the respect of the fans even in moments of defeat is very pleasant.
And another important point, at this World Cup there are new players who give us a perspective for the future.
- After the World Cup there was no clear information about the future of Douglas, Leo, Higuita. Will they all continue to play for the national team?
- As far as I know, only Higuita announced that most likely he would finish playing for the national team after Euro-2026. So, I am in touch with all of them, they are still ready to continue playing for the national team.
- Now you are also involved in the work of the Kazakhstan U19 team, which will play with Portugal, France and Belarus. Would you tell us more about the training camp and preparation for Futsal Euro 2026 qualification.
- This work that we are doing now - it should have been done a long time ago, it is now the right approach and attitude to the national U-19 team and in general to youth futsal in Kazakhstan. Previously, we gathered only six days before the tournament, now our preparation began a year and a half! This will be a full cycle and this is the first time it happens.
They should get good training, feel the competition, make connections and return each time stronger to their clubs. This also contributes to the development of the whole youth futsal championship in the country.
As for the group, our opponents are strong, but we understand - there are four days of the tournament, three matches, anything can happen. The best team can have a bad day and vice versa - the worst can do its best. Kazakhstan will strive to win, our mentality should not be to accept defeat as something normal. We are not favorites, but we must strive to win anyway. We must improve the ranking of the youth national team and gradually improve the results.
