Kazakhstan women’s national team defender Kamila Sovet currently plays for the Moldovan club Zimbru, continuing a professional journey that has included a stint in Albania. Her career path, marked by a 2024 move to the Kazakh powerhouse BIIK-Shymkent and a high-profile trial in Turkey, reflects the growing ambition of Kazakhstani players to establish themselves in European competitions, as reported by ASnews.kz.
The 2023 Galatasaray Trial and Regional Unrest
In early 2023, Sovet was invited to Istanbul for a trial with Galatasaray, a move intended to serve as her first experience as an international player. However, the timing coincided with the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey in February 2023. The natural disaster forced a suspension of club operations, leading to a one-week delay in her trial. During this period, Sovet trained individually, but the disruption affected her physical preparation. While she noted that the infrastructure and professional standards at Galatasaray were impressive, she did not secure a roster spot, citing the limited availability of foreign player slots at the time.
Professional Development and ACL Recovery
Sovet’s professional career began in 2020 with SDUSHOR No. 8 in Astana. In 2024, she transferred to BIIK-Shymkent following a recommendation from Madiyar Kembilov, who coached both the club and the national team. Her progress was interrupted in August 2024 while playing for Ordabasy, when she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus. The injury sidelined the 22-year-old for a full year, during which she focused on rehabilitation. This period of inactivity contributed to her absence from the national team roster throughout 2025 and the current year.
International Experience in Albania and Moldova
Following her recovery, Sovet sought opportunities to return to competitive play abroad. She signed with the Albanian club Kinostudio during the winter, citing it as the most concrete offer available at the time. In June 2026, she moved to the Moldovan club Zimbru. Sovet described the transition to Moldova as a strategic step in her career, noting that the club’s involvement in European competitions provides the international experience necessary to eventually reach a top-tier league in Western Europe.
National Team Debut and Family Ties
Sovet made her debut for the Kazakhstan national team in December 2023 during a match against Estonia. Her selection came after several years of being called up to training camps since 2020. Beyond her professional achievements, she is linked to the national football scene through her family; she is a relative of Sagi Sovet, the defender who plays for the Kazakhstan national team and the Kyzylorda-based club Kaisar.
Future Objectives in European Football
As of mid-2026, Sovet continues to work toward a recall to the national squad, with her future participation dependent on the decisions of the current coaching staff. She maintains that her primary goal remains testing her abilities in a Western European league. For now, her focus is on her tenure at Zimbru and gaining consistent match time in the Moldovan championship.
