Volleyball
Halkbank vie for #CEVChallengeCupM semi-final spot on home soil
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Article Mon, Dec 14 2020
Ankara, Turkey, December 14, 2020. Two star players of Halkbank ANKARA, Fernando Ramos Hernandez and Efe Bayram (pictured) share the very same feelings ahead of the ‘bubble tournament’ that Halkbank will be hosting this week for the 8th Finals and quarterfinals of the men’s CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup 2021. At a time where the world is still dealing with an unprecedented health crisis, they both wish to claim two wins in a row at home in order to reach the semis of the competition.
Since all of the Halkbank players tested positive to COVID-19 earlier this month, Hernandez emphasises that they could not have the opportunity to train much. “Despite everything, we have the feeling that our strong belief, just like we did when overcoming the virus, will carry us to the victory. We believe it. We have a strong and much decorated opponent. We want to gain our force back on the court and play the quarterfinal the next day. No one should have a doubt that we will give our best and try hard to represent the Turkish Volleyball family in the best possible way.”
Halkbank ANKARA rising star Efe Bayram stressed the determination of the whole team to edge past Sport LISBOA e Benfica in the 8th Finals. After recovering from the virus, the players of Halkbank have tried to prepare as good as possible for the coming fixture. “We know that we will be facing one of the strongest teams in this competition. We have prepared ourselves mentally. Yes, the pandemic has affected all, all of us contracted the virus at the same time but thanks to the health system of my country and thanks to the care of our club, we have recovered very fast. We want to represent Turkey and our Volleyball community in the best way. Moreover, I wish health and good luck to all teams coming to Ankara.”
There will be no spectators at Baskent Volleyball Hall due to COVID-19 precautions, with only court personnel, a limited number of media and security officers allowed to attend the matches. Halkbank will be providing masks to all members of the visiting teams and they have devised plans to secure the full compliance with the CEV Hygiene Guidelines.
Halkbank will be playing a team from Portugal for the first time in their history. AS CANNES VB of France and SOLLENTUNA VC of Sweden will contest the other 8th Final match.
Click here for further information.
Since all of the Halkbank players tested positive to COVID-19 earlier this month, Hernandez emphasises that they could not have the opportunity to train much. “Despite everything, we have the feeling that our strong belief, just like we did when overcoming the virus, will carry us to the victory. We believe it. We have a strong and much decorated opponent. We want to gain our force back on the court and play the quarterfinal the next day. No one should have a doubt that we will give our best and try hard to represent the Turkish Volleyball family in the best possible way.”
Halkbank ANKARA rising star Efe Bayram stressed the determination of the whole team to edge past Sport LISBOA e Benfica in the 8th Finals. After recovering from the virus, the players of Halkbank have tried to prepare as good as possible for the coming fixture. “We know that we will be facing one of the strongest teams in this competition. We have prepared ourselves mentally. Yes, the pandemic has affected all, all of us contracted the virus at the same time but thanks to the health system of my country and thanks to the care of our club, we have recovered very fast. We want to represent Turkey and our Volleyball community in the best way. Moreover, I wish health and good luck to all teams coming to Ankara.”
There will be no spectators at Baskent Volleyball Hall due to COVID-19 precautions, with only court personnel, a limited number of media and security officers allowed to attend the matches. Halkbank will be providing masks to all members of the visiting teams and they have devised plans to secure the full compliance with the CEV Hygiene Guidelines.
Halkbank will be playing a team from Portugal for the first time in their history. AS CANNES VB of France and SOLLENTUNA VC of Sweden will contest the other 8th Final match.
Click here for further information.