News from the official Fakel Voronezh site confirms the appointment of Dmitry Pyatibratov as head coach of the club. The announcement marks a return for Pyatibratov, who previously led Fakel in a prior stint and is now set to guide the team again. His return signals a fresh chapter for Fakel as they pursue strong performances in the Russian Premier League and aim to climb higher in the standings.
Before taking on the role at Fakel, Pyatibratov was on the coaching staff of Chaika from Peschanokopsky, gaining a breadth of experience across different levels of Russian football. His coaching journey with Fakel previously spanned from 2020 to 2023, with a period in charge from September 2022 to April 2023. That earlier tenure provided him with intimate familiarity with the club’s culture, player pool, and competitive ambitions, which are expected to inform his approach this time around.
The club’s leadership shift came on August 12, when Igor Cherevchenko stepped away from the head coach position after having steered Fakel since April 2024. Cherevchenko’s tenure included a notable achievement for Fakel, guiding the squad to its best-ever finish in the Russian Premier League up to that point, reaching the 11th spot. This performance served as a positive benchmark for the club and created a platform for Pyatibratov to build upon as he prepared to take the reins.
During the current season, Fakel’s results have been challenging. In the fourth round of the Russian Premier League, the team faced a 0-2 defeat against Krylia Sovetov, which dropped Fakel to the bottom of the standings in that moment. The campaign so far has featured a solitary point earned in the match against Krasnodar, with initial momentum dampened by the lone goal scored in the season’s opening round against Dynamo. These outcomes reflect the competitive nature of the league and the need for stability and strategic clarity as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, Fakel is preparing to host Spartak Moscow in the upcoming league fixture. The match is scheduled for August 18 with a 17:30 local start time. This clash represents a significant test for the team as it seeks to demonstrate resilience and growth under Pyatibratov’s leadership. Home matches offer Fakel an opportunity to leverage familiar surroundings and fan support while continuing to implement the coaching staff’s game plan across the squad.
Beyond the tactical and competitive implications, the situation around Spartak’s squad is also noted by observers. The club’s forward line, led by Kerem Aktürkoğlu, continues to attract attention as a key factor in the match’s potential outcome. Aktürkoğlu’s contributions and form are frequently highlighted by analysts, and his presence adds another dimension to the upcoming fixture against Fakel. This context underscores the importance of tactical discipline, preparation, and execution for Fakel as they approach the game with renewed leadership and a desire to demonstrate progression in the league standings.