Preview: Round 1 of the Men’s National Volleyball League

The new season of the Men’s National Volleyball League gets underway on October 17–18, with matches scheduled in Almaty, Taraz, Taldykorgan and Oskemen.

While the women’s teams will have played four matches each by Saturday, the men’s regular season is only just beginning, as the teams prepare to compete for the title of league champions.

Starting this season, the Men’s National League has also moved from a round-based tournament format to a home-and-away system. Each round still consists of two matches between the same teams. However, unlike the women’s competition, the men’s regular season comprises 18 rounds rather than 14.

Before the playoffs, each club will play 16 matches. Nine clubs will compete in the Men’s National League, meaning that every team will have two bye rounds during the 18-round regular season.

Ural’s Zhaiyq will have a bye this weekend.

Burevestnik (Almaty) vs Atyrau

Venue: Dostyk Sports Complex, Almaty
Match times: October 17 – 18:00; October 18 – 18:00

Taraz vs Aktobe

Venue: Taraz Arena, Taraz
Match times: October 17 – 17:00; October 18 – 17:00

Zhetysu (Zhetysu Region) vs Okzhetpes (Akmola Region)

Venue: Zhastar Sports Palace, Taldykorgan
Match times: October 17 – 18:00; October 18 – 18:00

Berel (East Kazakhstan Region) vs Quanysh (North Kazakhstan Region)

Venue: Zhekpe-Zhek Sports Complex, Oskemen
Match times: October 17 – 18:00; October 18 – 18:00