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Avtandil KapanadzeSoviet and Georgian football player, forward, midfielder.
Date of Birth: 01.12.1962
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Avtandil Kapanadze: Georgian Football Legend
- Early Career
- Career in Georgia
- Transfer to Ukraine
- Success in the Ukrainian League
- Career End in Russia
- Personal Life
Avtandil Kapanadze: Georgian Football Legend
Avtandil Kapanadze was born in Georgia, Soviet Union, and made a significant mark on both Soviet and Ukrainian football.
Early Career
Avtandil began his football journey at a young age, honing his skills at a Tbilisi school. He later joined the professional team FC Lokomotiv Tbilisi, which competed in the Soviet Second League. In 1987, he played for FC Guria Lanchkhuti in the Soviet Top League and subsequently moved to FC Torpedo Kutaisi in the Soviet First League.
Career in Georgia
From 1988 to 1993, Avtandil played for FC Metallurg Rustavi, which later became FC Gord. He made a notable contribution to both clubs, helping them establish themselves in Georgian football.
Transfer to Ukraine
In 1993, Avtandil moved to the Ukrainian club FC Temp Shepetivka, which was heavily funded by Georgian businessman Dzumber Nishnianidze. He played alongside his twin brother, Tariel, as a left winger. In their first season, the team finished 9th in the Ukrainian Premier League. However, financial difficulties led to their relegation in the following season.
Success in the Ukrainian League
Avtandil spent the first half of the 1995/96 season in the Ukrainian First League before joining FC Nyva Ternopil in the Premier League. He transitioned to a forward position and became a prolific goalscorer, holding the record as one of the oldest players to score in the Ukrainian Premier League. He played 210 matches in the Ukrainian league, scoring 60 goals.
Career End in Russia
In 2001, at the age of 38, Avtandil moved to FC Lokomotiv Nizhny Novgorod in the Russian First Division. He finished his playing career with the club in 2004.
Personal Life
Avtandil is married and has two children, Anastasia (born 1998) and Irakli (born 1994). His twin brother, Tariel Kapanadze, also had a successful football career, playing alongside him for much of their time.
