AWL Build-Up Part 2: – The Protagonists

We are now two days away from the first Assikura Women’s League fixture. In this second part, here are a few names to look out for as we set forth toward the new season. Check out the first part if you missed it, dedicated to outlining the league layout, teams competing and match-day schedules.

Coaching Setups

The league will feature a number of new faces both on the pitch and in the technical areas. Swieqi United and San Gwann will both feature a new head coach in the dugout. The Owls’ have enlisted former Malta national team goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin with the task of steering the team toward their maiden league title. Meanwhile, San Gwann have appointed Julian Camilleri as they bid to improve their standing following last season’s last placed finish. Denis Guerra will return to the dugout but donning the crest of Valletta FC, while Lija Athletic will be spearheaded by Jethron Azzopardi.  

On the other hand, Birkirkara, Hibernians, Mgarr United and Mtarfa have stuck by their coaches, in search of building on the foundation set by their respective coaching staff. The Stripes extended the stay of Jose’ Borg at the helm. Hibernians will continue to operate under the wing of Keith Gouder, who steered them to a strong return last year, finishing in fourth place in the league and reaching the Knockout final. Michael Mangion will look to improve on the third-placed finish with Mgarr United, while Simon Spiteri will return with Mtarfa.

Besides head coaches, several teams such as San Gwann FC, Swieqi United and Mgarr United have seen shifts and additions to the complete technical staff setup, including in physical trainers and goalkeeper coaches. This is expected to continue improving the quality of football on display this year, with higher intensity in matches and tougher battles along the way.

Those Looking to Make a Splash

Besides recruiting coaches, several teams have dipped into the market in search of tweaking and improving their squads. There are already a few new names that have been brought to our islands to make their debut in the league. Two Brazilians who will be making their first appearances in the league will be Swieqi United’s goalkeeper Paty and Mgarr United’s attacking midfielder Joelma Alves Gabriel. Moldovan defender Anastasia Sivolobova will be another donning the shirt of Mgarr United, while the Owls have boosted their attack with Ghanaian forward Karima Abdulai and American Kennedy Metzger.

Their first forays into the Assikura Women’s League will offer an interesting development as they bring their own dynamics to the teams they play for. One should keep an eye out for more names that are expected to be announced in due course by a few clubs who are keeping their cards close to their chest.

Besides this, there will also be a few youngsters making the steps from youth level to senior level. Amongst those could be Amelia Vassallo of Birkirkara, Kaysia Micallef of Swieqi United and Suzanne Farrugia Sacco of Valletta FC. These are just a few who impressed in the youth leagues and could feature in the league. San Gwann and Mtarfa have over the years given debuts to several youngsters and will likely continue to feature youthful lineups this year too.

Established Returners

As expected, the league will also feature several top players who will return this season and form the backbone of the teams. For Birkirkara one expects goalkeeper Janice Xuereb, defensive duo Stefania Farrugia and Charlene Zammit, as well as the likes of Alishia Sultana, Gabriella Zahra, Ann-Marie Said and Raina Giusti to feature regularly as they attempt to defend the title. Veronique Mifsud, Valentina Rapa and Izabella Camilleri are among those who could also be regular features in the league.

The metronome-like partnership of Shona Zammit and Dorianne Theuma in Swieqi United’s midfield is one that is perhaps a staple feature of the league, though not necessarily from the first whistle. Jessica Dimech has also extended her stay with the club and could feature in the heart of the defence, though she also impressed as a defensive midfielder last year. Emma Xuereb and Mariah Sciberras were a mainstay on the left wing, while Jade Schembri was often fielded on the right, but it all depends on which shape Darmanin intends to utilise for his side.

There are several more who have featured regularly and will likely be heavily relied upon to deliver for their teams. Other to standouts of the league include Brenda Borg and Nicole Sciberras, both of whom were crucial for Mgarr United and Hibernians last year, respectively. It will be also interesting to keep an eye out on the emerging Georgiana Mifsud (Valletta) and Yulya Carella (Mgarr United). Lexine Farrugia was another player that went into double figures in goals and also contributed assists for Raiders Lija FC last season. Though her future is still to be confirmed, she could be another one to keep an eye on.

Mgarr United currently have a wealth of options in goalkeepers between the duo of Patricia Ebejer and Giulia D’Antuono. Several of last year’s regular starters are expected to continue to feature for the Greens, including long-time servant Abigail Camilleri, as well as the likes of Maia Debono, Kelly Agius Pace and Rebecca Bajada.

Although Hibernians will miss Raisa Costantino in goal, they are also expected to feature many returning faces. These include, but are not limited to, Martina Borg, Kayleigh Chetcuti, Chloe Ellul, Amy Busuttil and Sarah Urpani. They will be joined by several recruits including Leah Ayres, Martina Cortis, Jeanelle Falzon and Demi Gauci Maistre, all of whom are familiar names even if they will be wearing different kits.

Valletta FC have confirmed a number of players who have switched directly from Raiders FC, including Monique Sultana, Sara Vella Barberi, Anna Aloisio, Gaia Antonelli, Laura Muscat, Eunice Micallef, Francesca Bartolo and Sabrin Blihi. They will also feature familiar recruits Thresa Scicluna and Lisa Vella.

Mtarfa and San Gwann will look toward their veterans in Dorienne Grech and Annabelle Rapa as they lead their teams toward further growth and improved standings. Mtarfa’s Shania Spiteri, Eliza Csik and Angele Fenech were all crucial last season. On the other hand, Julia Egging made headway for San Gwann, as did Justyne Caruana in goal in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, Lija Athletic have kept their cards close to their pockets, but early signs promise a competitive side that will strive to make a strong impression.

Finally, though they will have to wait a bit before they can put their match-day boots on, one will also anticipate the return of those who are currently recovering from long-term injuries. The list includes, but is not limited to, last year’s MFA Footballer Of The Year and MFPA Best Player Jade Flask (Swieqi United), as well as Mgarr United’s Leanne Cefai and the Owls’ Andy Zammit.

Stay tuned for part 3 that will be released tomorrow, which will set the stage for the season, detailing those striving to break records and those determined to stop them.

Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X