The players of "Prometey" continue to write the history of Ukrainian volleyball. And domestic fans of this type of sport will savor the exit of the "red and whites" to the Champions League 2024 playoffs for a long time to come.

At the same time, we believe that our athletes are capable of more. However, in order to reach the quarter-finals of the prestigious competition, they have to overcome the Turkish barrier also known as "Eczacıbaşı". The first meeting of the teams will take place on February 1 at 18:00 in Mioveni, Romania.

CEV Champions League 2024 (Women)

Mioveni (Sports Hall Mioveni). Romania

February 1. 18:00

Playoffs. The first game

SC "Prometey" — "Eczacıbaşı"

"Eczacıbaşı" - introducing the opponent

Achievement

"Eczacıbaşı" is undoubtedly a top club, which, in particular, is evidenced by its recent achievements both in the domestic arena and outside it. In addition, it is no secret that the Turkish Sultanlar League is one of the most powerful in the world.

For example, at the end of 2023, the decisive match of the World Club Championship was played by the Turkish teams Eczacıbaşı and Vakifbank. Then, in a tough fight, our opponents triumphed in a tie-break (3-2). 

Continuing the topic of cups, in last year's draw of the Champions League, "Eczacıbaşı" reached the final, where this time it already lost to the "Vakifbank" we mentioned (1-3). This fact is an unnecessary confirmation of words about the strength of the Turkish championship.

Actually, in the home arena, the rivals of "Prometey" are also doing quite well. It should be noted that "Eczacıbaşı" is the current vice-champion of its country. Having won all 26 matches of the regular season, they also passed the semi-final stage without any particular problems. However, they lost to Fenerbahce in the battle for the main trophy (0-3 in the series).

Let's add that at the moment "Eczacıbaşı" is on the second step in the Sultanlar League: it has won 16 victories in 17 matches and is behind the first place by only 3 points.

Head coach

The team will be led by the Turkish coach Ferhat Akbash from 2021. Before that, at the club level, the specialist also coached the Polish "Khemik" (2019-2021), the Romanian KSM "Bucharest" (2017-2019), and was also an assistant at the local "Vakifbank" (2012-2015) and the Chinese "Guangdong" (2011 /12).

Ferhat also has experience working with women's national teams: Croatia (2022-2023 — head coach), Japan (2017-2018 — assistant), Turkey (2013-2014 — assistant, and from 2015 to 2016 — head coach).

Team leaders

Considering the recent achievements of "Eczacıbaşı", it is obvious that its colors are protected by high-class volleyball players. Among the leaders of attacks, we can note well-known opposite Tijana Bošković, who is also the captain of the club, and central blocker Jovana Stevanović. We would like to remind you that at the 2023 European Championship, the players of the Serbian national team helped their team beat Ukraine with a score of 3-0.

In addition, the Turkish team includes performers such as Canadian outside hitter Alexa Gray, Turkish setter Naz Aydemir-Akyol, and other stars.

The path of "Prometey" and "Eczacıbaşı" to the playoffs of the Champions League

At the group stage, the Ukrainians got into group E, where their opponents were "LKS Lodz" (Poland), "Volero Le Cannet" (France) and "Alba Blaj" (Romania). Our athletes won three victories in six matches and took second place.

At the same time, the Turkish team in Quartet B fought against the following teams: "Scandicci" (Italy), "Vashas" (Hungary) and "Maritsa" (Bulgaria). Ferhat Akbash's wards could not oppose anything only to the Italians - twice 1-3 each. However, four victories allowed them to secure a place in the playoffs from the second position.

Roster of SC "Prometey"

middle blockers: Diana Meliushkina, Svitlana Dorsman (c), Anastasiia Maievska, Olena Kharchenko;

opposites: Marta Drpa, Viktoriia Danchak;

outside hitters: Yevheniia Hober, Melisa Ege Bukman, Margarita Heiko, Bojana Milenkovic;

setters: Daria Sharhorodska, Viktoriia Oliinyk;

libero: Krystyna Niemtseva, Kateryna Vasylieva;

head coach: Ivan Petkov.

Roster of "Eczacıbaşı"

middle blockers: Shined Jack-Kysal, Jovana Stevanovych, Yasemin Sahin, Beiza Ariji;

opposites: Tijana Boskovic (c), Defne Bashyolcu;

outside hitters: Iryna Voronkova, Yaprak Erkek, Alexa Gray, Martina Chirnyanska, Hande Baladin;

setters: Elif Shahin, Naz Aydemir-Akyol;

libero: Tuna Aybuke Ozel, Simge Akyoz;

head coach: Ferhat Akbash.

Watch the broadcast of the match on the DIVISPORT YouTube channel or the Megogo and Sweet.TV platforms.