Branko Hadziiloski 'Chaika' memorial (50th) converted into VFM Supercup

One of North Macedonia’s oldest and most consistent volleyball events, the Branko Hadziiloski – 'Chaika' memorial, reaches its 50th edition in 2026 and will from now on be staged as the national Supercup organized with the Volleyball Federation of North Macedonia (VFM).

The Hadziiloski family, organisers of the memorial named after the late volleyball legend, together with the Federation agreed that the jubilee edition will mark a structural change: the tournament will be converted into an annual Supercup held before each new season under the name "Branko Hadziiloski 'Chaika' Supercup."

Ivica Hadziiloski, son of the legend and current vice-president of the Volleyball Federation of North Macedonia, explained the rationale behind the change and highlighted the tournament’s long history.

"After five decades of holding the tournament we reached a joint decision with the Federation that from this jubilee edition it should become a Supercup, which will carry the name 'Branko Hadziiloski Chaika' Supercup. Over the years we saw that this tournament was put at the service of national teams, it was held at club level as well, men and women, veterans… I believe that the transition to a Supercup will represent a distillation of the best of the domestic scene in both men's and women's competition," he said.

Schedule and matchups on October 7

The 50th edition will take place on Wednesday, October 7 in the sports hall of the Secondary Economic School "8. Septemvri" in Tetovo.

• 17:00 – Men's Supercup: last season's league and cup finalists Shtip UGD vs GOK Borec.
• 19:30 – Women's Supercup: champion Rabotnicki Skopje vs OFM Cup 2026 winner Vardar EM.

Organisers say the Supercup format is intended to crystallize the strongest elements of domestic volleyball and to become a permanent season‑opening event for both men’s and women’s competitions.

Photo: press material from the event