The Futsal Club Semey, less than a year old, is poised to become a major player in the European futsal market with two significant signings. Relevo can exclusively confirm that the Kazakh team has secured deals with Carlos Vagner Gularte Filho, commonly known as Ferrao, and Leonardo de Melo, also known as Higuita. These signings mark a significant milestone for a team with lofty ambitions and a promise of thrilling competition. Few were familiar with their name until today. In fact, FC Semey was established on June 9, 2023. In its debut season in the Kazakhstan League, it currently holds second place behind the dominant Kairat Almaty, under the guidance of Spanish coach Marlon Velasco. Its remarkable rise to prominence is set to be further solidified by the acquisitions of ‘The Panther of Chapecó’ and Higuita, along with the sponsorship of a major sports betting company.
Ferrao & Higuita
The Brazilian center, Ferrao , will depart from Barça on June 30 after a decade-long tenure. Initially expected to join Portugal’s Benfica, he was swayed by offers from Magnus Futsal in Brazil and Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, before ultimately accepting a lucrative three-season contract from FC Semey. This marks his return after recovering from a serious injury. Higuita’s decision to leave Kairat Almaty, where he spent 14 seasons, also played a significant role in Ferrao’s choice. The 37-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, became a naturalized Kazakh citizen in 2013. He has committed to FC Semey for the next three seasons, further bolstering the team’s ambitions.
Kazakhstan
Semey, located in the northeast of the Abai Province in Kazakhstan, is considered the birthplace of Kazakh futsal. Its residents have enthusiastically embraced the new club. The first signing for this innovative venture was Chingiz Yessenamanov, formerly of Kairat, who holds the record for the most international appearances and goals for his national team (101 appearances and 30 goals). At its inception, Ferrao’s team garnered support from futsal legend Falcao and is led by promising Brazilian coach David Mendonça. In its inaugural season, FC Semey reached the Cup final in December, narrowly losing to Kairat, who secured their nineteenth title. It is widely anticipated that they will face off again in the grand final of the Kazakhstan League. With Russian clubs expelled, UEFA has granted Kazakhstan two spots in the UEFA Futsal Champions League.
FC Semey’s main short-term objectives are to end Kairat’s dominance and establish a presence in the European arena. With the signings of Higuita and Ferrao finalized, the club promises further marquee signings. As Relevo has learned, Ferrao will undergo a medical examination and sign his new contract in Almaty between Thursday and Friday.
