Yesterday’s match between Sabail FC and Zira FC in the Misli Premier League was remembered for several interesting moments. As reported by Offsideplus.az, the visitors’ victory officially confirmed Sabail's relegation from the Premier League. However, Zira attracted attention not only with their professional performance, but also with their squad selection.

Premier League Debut

Placing great emphasis on the development of youth football, Zira FC is now beginning to see the results of their long-term efforts. We witnessed this clearly in the match against Sabail. Head coach Rashad Sadygov gave 19-year-old Ramiz Muradov the chance to play. The young midfielder’s debut in the Premier League is doubly pleasing. Firstly, seeing young players in any squad and on the field always gives hope for the future. Secondly, Ramiz is a product of the Zira Football Academy. This shows that the academy’s system is working effectively. The leadership’s long-term planning and years of hard work are finally paying off.

A 17-Year-Old Midfielder

Recently, it has become increasingly common to see young and teenage players in Zira’s first team. Rashad Sadygov includes promising youngsters in both cup and league matches. By training with the senior squad, these young players become more familiar with the professional environment and learn from experienced footballers. In yesterday’s game against Sabail, it was admirable that Sadygov listed five young players from the academy in the matchday squad. Although only one of them—Ramiz Muradov—was given the chance to play, it was pleasing to see other academy players such as Shahmar Ashurov, Murad Alakbarov, and 18-year-old goalkeeper Salim Hashimov on the bench, warming up and ready to be called upon.

One particular player worth highlighting is 16-year-old Ahliman Suleymanzade. A member of Zira’s U-17 team, he has already caught the attention of the senior coaching staff. We would like to believe that he will soon debut in the Misli Premier League and grow into a skilled professional footballer.

Rashad Sadygov’s Efforts

The players mentioned are at a very sensitive stage in their careers. Ages 17, 18, and 19 mark the beginning of the transition from youth football to senior-level competition. Rashad Sadygov is well aware that many young players face challenges and downturns in performance during this stage. That is why the coaching staff at Zira FC aims to guide and protect these young talents, helping them develop properly and become assets to Azerbaijani football. We hope to see graduates of the Zira Football Academy more frequently in the domestic league and the Azerbaijan national team in the near future.