by Birkirkara head into their final league match aiming to build on a strong run of form, with Charlene Zammit highlighting the team’s growing confidence and desire to finish the campaign on a high. Denilson Borg, reflected on San Gwann’s missed opportunities in the recent draw and ongoing squad challenges, placing emphasis on long-term development as the team continues its transition.
Draws & The Desire For More
Birkirkara and San Gwann will conclude their league commitments with a final encounter between two sides whose journeys in this league campaign have been ones of intrigue. They meet at Dingli Ground at 16:00.
Both teams head into it following draws in crucial confrontations, though the coaches gave hint of a desire for more in both instances.
Birkirkara continued their strong end to the league with a draw against champions Mgarr United, the first points they knocked off the league winners this year.
Charlene Zammit felt the result was a good one, but believes her team actually had an opportunity to gain more from the match, “Both teams had their chances, and aside from the goals, we each hit the post, so it was a very evenly contested match. However, I felt we were more dangerous in the second half and created some key opportunities that could have won us the game.”
At the other end, San Gwann had heaps of opportunities against Valletta, but had to settle for a 3 – 3 draw. Denilson Borg was clear on his thoughts of the match, “A draw against Valletta, given the amount of opportunities created, is for me two points lost. When you control the game and do not win, it is always two points lost and that is the mentality I want to build in my players.”
At the same time, Borg acknowledged that it will take time for players to adapt, “Obviously I cannot expect the team to play the way I want because it has only been a month and we have always had to prepare for games with no breaks. The players are giving one hundred percent but we need to work tactically and this normally happens in pre season, not in the final part of the season.”
Having officially taken over at the start of the previous international break, the comments continue to throw light into the potential permanency of Borg’s position on San Gwann’s touchline.
League Reflections As San Gwann Troubles Bubble Further
As noted above, the two teams kicked off the season with very different expectations. Charlene Zammit took over at the departure of Billy Mock, and combined with some signings, the veteran defender transformed the side into a competitive one to close the gap to the top three.
Probed for the positives from the league campaign, Zammit replied, “One of the most positive aspects of the season has been the team’s character. We went through a difficult period but the way the group stayed together, responded, and managed to get back to winning ways says a lot about the mentality in the squad.”
Consistency remains the word on the coaches’ mouths when asked about closing the gap to the top, with Charlene Zammit echoing the same thoughts, “At the same time, if we want to close the gap, we need to be more consistent throughout the season. The players need to raise their standards in every training session, having the right attitude, and being committed throughout the season.”
While Birkirkara carry the weight of expectation by default, given a name synonymous with a record number of trophies in the women’s game (alongside Hibernians), San Gwann came into this season with a firm question of whether they can hit another upward trend and dislodge one of the top four – something that those before them had failed at.
Assikura Women's League - Standings
The table gives a picture, but at the same time there have been plenty of questions around absences of players, between injuries and departures. Denilson Borg confirmed that Naomi Blundell and Chaimaa Tourki continue to recover from knee injuries, while Rabab Mhalli is also still sidelined with injury. Sabrin Blihi is also still sidelined following picking up a knock against Mgarr United, with the team awaiting medical assessments.
Questioned also about Martina Schembri, Borg replied that the midfielder is out of action between a mix of personal commitments and a non-fully-fit state. Borg confirmed that long-standing first-choice goalkeeper, Justyne Caruana, has also thrown in the towel along with other players.
Birkirkara Hunt An Unbeaten Final Round
The two teams had a few close confrontations, but the Stripes have shown strong form recently with seven points out of nine against the top three, while also earning the win against Valletta. San Gwann remains the final test.
Charlene Zammit urged her team to continue putting stock to that trajectory, “We want to finish the league on a positive note! In the last round of the league we’ve managed to win almost all our games, and I think that shows the progress of the team.”
The mood in the dressing room is high with the team looking to close off the league convincingly, “The players are now enjoying their football and you can noticeably see that in our performances. This game is another good opportunity to close off the season in a strong way.”
As noted above, San Gwann is undergoing plenty of change, with Denilson Borg underlining the difference in the trajectories since the last meet when compared to his rival, “Matches against Birkirkara have been close but they have gone on a strong run of form. Birkirkara has always been a good team but earlier they were not functioning well. They changed the coach mid-season and now they are performing better, and they also brought in a very good goalkeeper to help them.”
Thus, questioned on what he feels a successful end would be, Borg appears to be sticking to instilling philosophy in his team, with sight on long-term goals, “For me the approach is the same for every game. This season I will not go into too much detail with my players about our opponents. I want them to play and enjoy the last game of the league. Next season will come.”
The two teams kick-off at 16:00 at Dingli Ground. The Assikura Women’s League will be concluded with the clash between Mgarr United and Hibernians at the Centenary Stadium, beginning at 18:00. Mgarr United will lift their maiden league title trophy at the end of that match.
Lead Image: Maraya Gauci
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[…] The match kicks off at 18:00 at the Centenary Stadium. The match will be followed by the trophy lift and celebrations will follow at the Mgarr village square. The Mgarr United club is also organising free transport between Mgarr and the Centenary Stadium. The other match in the competition will be between Birkirkara and San Gwann who close off the campaign at Dingli Ground (16:00). […]