Kayserispor has selected a club from Azerbaijan as a sister club. Infrastructure Coordinator Ibrahim Samet Sarıoğlu announced the move this week, stating that details will be shared publicly at a later date.
Sarıoğlu said, "We have selected a club from Azerbaijan as a sister club. We will make an announcement about this later." This step marks the first phase of international infrastructure investment for Kayserispor, who are currently top of the 1. Lig with 19 points from 8 games under a championship slogan. The club plans to open Kayserispor Sports Schools and a Kayseri Store in Azerbaijan. If this model proves successful, similar initiatives will be launched in several European cities.
INFRASTRUCTURE GOALS
The club's infrastructure chief expressed that last season's relegation from the Süper Lig deeply affected him and the team. He emphasised the goal of rebuilding physically, tactically, managerially, and financially to return to the top flight fully prepared. A key aim is transforming the infrastructure into a model that generates regular income and reduces the financial burden on management and the city. While Kayserispor has one of Turkey's most modern facilities, the lack of a winter-playable pitch is seen as its biggest deficiency. The club currently operates two private artificial turf fields under its name, used as Kayserispor Sports Schools and academies. Negotiations are ongoing for a third such field in Azerbaijan.
Sarıoğlu's greatest dream is for academy graduates to sustain their careers without falling into a void. "My biggest dream is for our kids, if they can reach the U-19 level without falling into this void, to also have a football career after U-19," said Sarıoğlu, hoping players see a return on their 8-9 years of effort. Accordingly, youth players are being trained with specific criteria and tactical sessions to fit head coach Atila Gerin's style and be ready for the first team. Sarıoğlu added that he consults regularly with club president Ali Çamlı and coach Gerin throughout this process.
LEAGUE POSITION
These plans run parallel to on-pitch success. Kayserispor's form in their last five 1. Lig matches reads WWWDL, with three wins, one draw, and one defeat. The yellow-reds, who last beat Mardin 1969 1-0 away on September 20, have the best goal difference (+12) and have conceded the fewest goals (3) in the league. The first-team squad structure and injury status are also tracked live in the squad section.
Kayserispor considers itself the property of the city of Kayseri and calls on everyone to continue their support. The next step is a home fixture against 13th-placed Manisa FK on October 10, 2026. Preparations for this important match will continue alongside the long-term infrastructure plans. Official details of the club's sister club agreement in Azerbaijan will be clarified in the coming weeks.
This story first appeared at Demirören Haber Ajansı (DHA)
