Efeler League Starts in Türkiye With A Clash Between New Stars

Another season is about to start in Türkiye for men, also known as the Efeler League. However, the opening week will be different this time since there is a hugely anticipated match in the first round. The two #CLVolleyM of the country, Halkbank Ankara and Ziraat Bank Ankara will face off, with their new international superstars to take the clash and the mental advantage against their rival.

Ziraat Bank will start the league as the biggest favorite as they finished the previous edition in the top place. The capital city team won the Supercup last year and played in the semifinal of the national cup. They also advanced to the 1/8 finals in the CEV Champions League Volley and said goodbye to the tournament after a dramatic finish against Berlin Recycling Volleys in the tie-break.

This year, the team built a solid squad to continue and improve their success under the guidance of Turkish expert Mustafa Kavaz.

While the MVP of last year, Turkish experienced setter Arslan Eksi, and Dutch opposite Wouter Ter Maat stay on the team, we will watch new stars in the outside hitter position. After parting ways with Osmany Juantorena and Bulgarian Martin Atanasov, Ziraat Bank agreed with American superstar Matthew Anderson and Cuban international Oreol Camejo. The middle blocker and libero rotations are fully filled with domestic players Faik Samet Gunes, Bedirhan Bulbul, and Berkay Bayraktar having another season.

However, things will definitely become harder for Ziraat Bank in the domestic season since the Halkbank side also made significant replacements. Last year’s CEV Champions League Volley semifinalist finished the national league in second place. This time, their aim is simple: Take one more step in each tournament they will participate in.

The most important player on the roster, Nimir Abdel Aziz, will continue wearing the same jersey this year, and two new internationals have been added to the team. Two of the top outside hitters of men’s volleyball, French Earvin Ngapeth and Canadian John Gordon Perrin, will start to play in Halkbank to receive more success in their careers. American talent Micah Ma’a also maintains contributing to the team, as well as domestic Mert Matic, Dogukan Ulu, and Volkan Done.

The first whistle will blow in Türkiye on October 18th, and these two will take the court against each other at 17:30 Turkish time. The competition between these two powerhouses will continue throughout the league and other tournaments. We will see whether Ziraat Bank can maintain their title or if Halkbank will take the trophy back home after 2018.