Halkbank (Ankara), led by Radostin Stoychev and featuring Matey Kaziyski and Denislav Bardarov, will face the star-studded Fenerbahçe in the quarterfinals of the Turkish Volleyball Cup. This was determined by the draw held today in Istanbul. The match will take place in Ankara on November 10 or 11, with the exact date and start time yet to be confirmed. The regulations stipulate only one match, and the winner will qualify for the Final Four.
Fenerbahçe boasts a strong roster, including American star Matthew Anderson, two-time Olympic champion with France Barthélémy Chinenyeze, and Turkish international Adis Lagumdzija. The squad also features Brazilian setter Fernando Kreling – Cachopa, middle blocker Bedirhan Bülbül, and experienced outside hitter Burutay Subaşı.
Despite its star-studded roster, the Istanbul giant began the new season in the Efeler League with a 0:3 (22:25, 21:25, 22:25) home loss to reigning champion Ziraat Bankkart on October 17.
Unlike their opponent, Halkbank started the championship successfully. Radostin Stoychev's team defeated Super Cup winner Galatasaray with a 3:1 (23:25, 25:20, 27:25, 25:23) victory in Ankara. Kaziyski and Bardarov started as regulars, and the most effective player was Brazilian opposite Darlan Souza with 31 points.
The next challenge for the Bulgarian trio is on October 24, when Halkbank hosts Spor Toto in the second round of the Turkish championship.
The draw for the Turkish Cup determined that the winner of Halkbank – Fenerbahçe will meet the winner of the match between Galatasaray and Gebze Belediyespor in the semifinals.
In the other half of the bracket, the reigning trophy holder Ziraat Bankkart will play against Alanya Belediyespor, and Spor Toto will compete against Onikişubat Belediyespor.
For women, the quarterfinal matches are scheduled for November 18 and 19. The current cup holder Vakıfbank will face Nilüfer Belediyespor, while Ceren Spor will go up against Galatasaray. The other two pairs pit Fenerbahçe against Türk Hava Yolları and Eczacıbaşı against Aras Kargo.
According to the regulations, all quarterfinals will be played on the home court of the team with a higher ranking in the championship during the 2025/2026 season. The host cities and dates of the final phase are yet to be announced by the Turkish Volleyball Federation.