Russian media consider Kafanov to be one of the country's strongest in
free kicks. Following his playing career, Kafanov became a manager, most recently with
FC Rubin Kazan. At the beginning of his career in Russia in 2001, Kafanov headed Kristall Smolensk, which finished the season in 10th place out of 18. He worked at Rubin Kazan from 2003 with a break of 3.5 years in 2014–2017. Together with the team, he became twice the champion of Russia, won two Russian Super Cups, one Russian Cup. In 2014–2015, he was helped to
Yuri Krasnozhan in the national team of Kazakhstan. In 2019, he entered into an agreement with the
FC Rostov football club, in which he previously worked from 2015 to 2017. In July 2021, the
Russian Football Union named Kafanov as the goalkeeper coach of the
Russia national football team. On 26 October 2021,
FC Rostov announced new appointment of Kafanov as a manager of the team. On June 2025 Kafanov announced that he would not be renewing his contract, and would be leaving the club. == International career ==