by Swieqi United and Agarista Anenii Noi will kick-off proceedings in Group CP2 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League at 11:00. Agarista’s Alexei Gladun is not underestimating Swieqi’s abilities despite his team’s experience in these matches. Swieqi United’s coach Dorianne Theuma called on her team to stick together and rely on the principles built throughout the past year as they take on their new opposition. Shona Zammit underlined the growth of the team, while seeking to write a positive chapter in the competition on the team’s debut.
Different Environment & Experience, But Same Ambition
Maltese league champions, Swieqi United, will be taking on Moldovan holders, Agarista, this morning at 11 am at the Spartak Myjava stadium in Myjava. The Moldovan champions are well-versed in participation having won the seventh consecutive title in their country to secure their place. They go into the match seeking their first win in the competition against Maltese debutants, Swieqi United.
Swieqi’s captain Shona Zammit, will be only one of very few returning to the competition from the Maltese side. She’s the leader among a majority of players experiencing this for the first time. Questioned about the different elements brought out by the competition, she replied, “I think there are a lot of new things that you experience when playing for your club away from home. The important thing is for us to remember where we come from and our identity.”
She continued, “I think it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, a new place, new surfaces, a different feeling of being together all the time for entire week, it’s a positive thing but it’s also easy to lose focus. So, in these moments I feel the important thing is for us to maintain that focus and I believe we are doing this, preparing well for this match and growing together in this experience that we earned.”
However, the captain hailed the mood in the dressing room, “I think it’s a good experience so far. We already had a good bond as a team before coming here and to experience this together is something that is only making us stronger. I believe it also is enabling our new additions to integrate further and in truth it’s something that I think is crucial not only for this competition but our aims in the competitions back in Malta.”
Meanwhile, Swieqi United’s coach Dorianne Theuma was questioned about whether she believes the pressure lies more with her opposition considering their consecutive experiences in the European competition or with her team as debutants.
Dorianne Theuma replied, “They are a side who has been competing for a long time. I do not know their objectives, but our goals are always the same, to perform and get the best result we can get. It’s our debut so I don’t believe there’s any pressure on us, but I also want my squad to believe in their abilities. I want my team to always keep in mind how much we’ve worked together to earn this moment and to be able to show their football.”
Her counterpart, Agarista’s coach Alexei Gladun, is also not underestimating Swieqi’s qualities, despite his team having consecutive experience in the competition. “We’ve analysed our opponents thoroughly. While this may be their debut appearance, their squad features experienced, high-calibre players. We have great respect for them and expect a tough, yet entertaining match.”
Expectations From The Match
Swieqi United’s coach, Dorianne Theuma, and captain Shona Zammit, were probed about their expectations from the match. Shona Zammit replied, “I think it should be a good game. We must believe in our abilities and I believe it’s a game that we can do well in if we stick to our philosophy and identity.”
Swieqi’s coach Dorianne Theuma will continue to stick to her principles, irrespective of the nature of the competition, “Our preparations to this point are the same preparations we have for our domestic season. We’ve achieved this moment by employing our principles in football, while respecting our opposition in Malta, wherever in the table they may sit. We also expect our opposition to respect us. We approach this match in exactly the same way.”
Meanwhile, questioned on the balance of the match, the Swieqi United coach replied, “I think it’s a match where we must believe in our abilities and stick together. There could be moments where we are doing well and we must take those chances, while there will be moments where we suffer and we must stick together to change the situation. I believe the team is ready for both scenarios.”
Posed a similar question on his expectation on opportunities in the match, Agarista’s Alexei Gladun replied, “We’re dealing with a few squad issues at the moment, so some tactical adjustments might be necessary. However, we’re preparing for a battle — high-pressing from the first to the final whistle. The coaching staff fully trusts the players and their relentless desire to win.”
The stage is set for Agarista Anenii Noi and Swieqi United to initiate proceedings in group CP-2 at 11:00 at Myjava Stadium. The match will not be broadcast or live-streamed. The other match in the group will be between hosts Spartak Myjava and debutants ZFK Buducnost, which starts at 19:00.
Lead Images: FC Agarista / Michael Azzopardi (Swieqi United)
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