The former defender of Kyiv’s Dynamo, Zurab Ochigava, explained why he decided to end his career at the age of 29.
— You are only 29 years old. Isn’t it too early to switch to coaching?
— Yes, I understand that this is certainly an early retirement and also an early start to the coaching path. But let’s see how the circumstances develop and where it leads. Of course, I love to enjoy playing on the field directly, but sometimes you have to make tough decisions.
— How did your American period begin?
— As soon as I arrived in the USA, it all came together so that I started working as a coach at the BridgeView Academy, but now I’ve entered into a partnership with the Metro Brooklyn Soccer Academy, where I am responsible for the football part of the project, in which we plan to develop in the best manifestations for local children.
— Would you like to resume your playing career in the United States?
— I would gladly do it if there was an interesting option. There were phone calls, various options were offered, but it all wasn’t very serious or not quite ambitious. There were also negotiations with local teams (not from MLS), but we didn’t reach an agreement. I keep in shape, stay toned, but it's not at the level where you are with the team on the field every day.
— Have you met anyone from the football community of Ukraine in the USA?
— Yes, I have met some. But I wouldn’t say there are many of them here.
— You played for five clubs in Ukraine. Which period at which of them did you enjoy the most?
— Of course, each phase of my career was a good experience, but playing for Dynamo was my dream since childhood — like all children who grew up in Ukraine. So it was unforgettable.
— Five years ago, you decided to try your hand as a foreign player, first going to Estonia and then to Azerbaijan. How do you evaluate the transitions to Levadia and Sabah?
— Since then, I've really missed my family and friends, but that’s the fate of many who choose a football career. The period in Sabah was undoubtedly the best in my foreign career. This club gave me a lot, for which I am very grateful. However, I cannot say the same about the period spent in Levadia. It coincided with the “COVID” times when championships were stopped, and training was remote.
— Which coaches and former teammates are you still in touch with?
— Almost all my friends are from football. I mostly communicate with Nikita Kravchenko, Shabanov, Burda, Kolomyets. And the last, the Baku experience, has given me good relations with Kulach and Nuriev. Yes, and in general, my football life has given me many good friends.
— Do you miss Ukraine and your native Kyiv?
— Of course. Kyiv is the best city in the world for me. So I can’t even find the words to express how much I miss it.
— What are your plans for the near future?
— At this stage, I want to develop in the field I have taken on. In particular, to create a good academy with Metro Brooklyn Soccer in New York so that children enjoy playing football and achieving success in sports.
Andrey Pisarenko
