46-year-old Samat Smakov holds the record for the most games played (76) in the Kazakhstan national team jersey.
Throughout his professional career, he became a 6-time national champion and was named the best football player of the republic four times.
Over the years, Smakov represented clubs such as: "Ordabasy", "Aktobe", "Irtysh", "Kairat", "Rizespor" (Turkey), "Yelimay", "Zhenis", and "Rossetselmash" (Russia).
He began his coaching career three years ago at "Ordabasy" as an assistant. He then spent one season at "Semey" and has now taken on the role of head coach at "Zhetysu".
Samat Smakov's last position was with "Astana", where he served as the director. Meanwhile, the capital team drew 1-1 with Cyprus' APOEL on the night of December 20 and exited the UEFA Conference League.