İZMİR, Turkey – Karşıyaka Spor Kulübü has appointed Ahmet Kandemir as its recent head coach, the Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi team announced Wednesday. Kandemir, a familiar face to Karşıyaka fans, returns to the club with the immediate task of steering them clear of relegation.
The move comes after a mutual agreement to part ways with Candost Volkan, who previously held the head coaching position. Karşıyaka currently holds four wins in the league, placing them in a precarious position as they battle to maintain their status in the top Turkish basketball division.
Kandemir’s appointment marks a homecoming of sorts. He previously managed Karşıyaka during the 2003-2006 and 2007-2008 seasons. His extensive coaching resume also includes stints with Beşiktaş, Trabzonspor and Manisa BBSK. Most recently, he led ÇBK Mersin.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Ahmet Kandemir back to our team as head coach,” the club stated in an official announcement. “Having previously coached Beşiktaş, Trabzonspor, and Manisa BBSK, and most recently ÇBK Mersin, and having served with our Karşıyaka team during the 2003-2006 and 2007-2008 seasons, Mr. Ahmet Kandemir has been appointed as our head coach. We wish Ahmet Kandemir a warm welcome and success in his role.”
For Karşıyaka supporters, the return of Kandemir represents a blend of experience, and familiarity. He’s a coach who understands the club’s history and the expectations of its passionate fanbase. Yet, the challenge ahead is significant. The Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi is fiercely competitive, and every game carries immense weight in the relegation battle.
The timing of the coaching change is critical. With the season entering its crucial stages, Kandemir has limited time to implement his strategies and galvanize the team. His previous experience with Karşıyaka, though, could prove invaluable in quickly integrating into the existing squad and understanding the dynamics of the league.
Volkan’s departure, while amicable, underscores the pressure facing Karşıyaka. The club acknowledged his contributions, stating, “We thank Mr. Candost Volkan for his dedication and contributions to our team and wish him success in his future career.”
Kandemir’s coaching philosophy is yet to be fully revealed in the context of this Karşıyaka team, but his past roles suggest a pragmatic approach focused on defensive solidity and efficient offense. He’ll need to quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current roster and devise a game plan that maximizes their potential.
The appointment has generated considerable buzz among Turkish basketball fans. The hope is that Kandemir’s return will inject new energy into the team and provide the leadership needed to secure their place in the league for another season. The club’s faithful will be looking for immediate improvements in performance and a renewed sense of purpose on the court.
Karşıyaka’s next match is yet to be announced, but all eyes will be on how Kandemir utilizes his experience to navigate this critical period. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will be a key indicator of whether this coaching change can deliver the desired results and ensure their survival in the Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi.
The club’s official Twitter account confirmed the move on March 24, 2026.
Takımımızda başantrenörlük görevini yürüten Sayın Candost Volkan ile yollarımız karşılıklı anlaşarak ayrılmıştır.
Candost Volkan’a takımımıza göstermiş olduğu emek ve katkılar için teşekkür eder, bundan sonraki kariyerinde kendisine başarılar dileriz. pic.twitter.com/TAcjrEZRLz
— Karşıyaka Basketbol (@KSKBasket) March 24, 2026
The immediate focus for Kandemir will be to instill a winning mentality and shore up the team’s defensive vulnerabilities. With a challenging schedule ahead, Karşıyaka will need to demonstrate resilience and tactical flexibility to climb out of the relegation zone. The return of a proven coach like Ahmet Kandemir offers a glimmer of hope for the club and its supporters.
