AFC Challenge League
The former midfielder was part of the Istiklol side that lifted the AFC President’s Cup in 2012, a breakthrough triumph he believes helped change perceptions of the club and accelerate the development of football in Tajikistan.
Now Sporting Director of Istiklol, Davronov is hoping the club can draw on that experience as they target success in the AFC Challenge League 2026/27™.
“In 2012, we won our first international trophy,” said Davronov. “We won it at home, in front of our fans and a full stadium. In winning it, we gained a lot of experience.
“Our team and our football became better because with experience, every player can improve himself and improve his game.
“Most importantly for our football, the government and the people started to believe in us.”
That triumph was one of the highlights of a career closely linked with Istiklol. The Dushanbe-born midfielder had five spells with the club, winning five Tajikistan Higher League titles and four Tajikistan Cups, while being named Tajikistan Player of the Year in 2012.
Davronov also accumulated significant continental experience, featuring in the AFC President’s Cup, AFC Cup™ and AFC Champions League™ and believes the exposure is essential to the growth of both players and clubs.
“International competitions give you more experience. Without experience, you cannot improve yourself, your football or football in your country.
“Every club wants to play in these competitions because they want to improve and achieve something.”
His career also took him beyond Tajikistan to Serbia, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Oman, India and Malaysia before his retirement in 2024.
Those spells, Davronov said, helped shape both the player and person he became.
“When you travel and change teams, you gain experience,” added the 35-year-old. “With experience you can change your style, change your game and improve step by step.”
Davronov also represented Tajikistan 50 times, scoring eight goals, having earlier been part of the side that competed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007.
Now his focus is on helping the next generation and building an Istiklol side capable of challenging again in the AFC Challenge League 2026/27™.
“Without experienced local players, it is very difficult to achieve results and win tournaments. This year we are following the same approach and preparing our team.
“I hope we can win the AFC Challenge League this season because I think we deserve it. We have reached finals before and lost finals at home. “I hope this time we will be successful.”
Photos: Tajikistan Football Federation, AFC
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