by The dust has barely settled on the 2023/24 season, but eyes are already set on the upcoming campaign. Birkirkara have confirmed Vince Galea’s arrival to replace the outgoing Jose’ Borg, while Mtarfa have confirmed Christian Curmi will be retained but having new duties. Hibernians & Swieqi United have indicated intentions to mount a challenge again next year with key player retainments.
B’Kara Sign Galea For Departing Borg
Champions Birkirkara were the first to make waves ahead of the new season by confirming the departure of coach Jose’ Borg shortly following the end of the season. Borg leaves the club having steered the women’s team to the treble this year, while also having led the men’s team for the latter part of the season.
Borg’s two-year tenure with the women’s team at Birkirkara comes to an end with a haul of two Assikura Women’s League titles, two Super Cups and the Assikura Women’s Knockout. During his two-year tenure, the side also clinched two historic victories in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The Stripes confirmed that Jose’ Borg will be replaced by Vince Galea who will be coaching the senior team while also being a point of contact for the youth teams in the U19 and U16 categories.
Galea was most recently leading the U17 women’s national team until March of this year. During his time, the U17 women’s national team made a return to the UEFA Women’s U17 EURO Qualifications, earning a second place finish in the first round. He was also the Technical Coordinator of the Girls Academy within the Women’s Football Department at MFA, a post which he held for close to three years.
Having had extensive experience in raising youth players, Galea’s recruitment by the Stripes suggests that the club may be setting a new strategy. Galea formed the Kirkop Academy back in 2009, where he spent nine years with the club during which he served senior coaching roles for both the women’s and men’s teams, whilst also occupying a Director of Coaching role for the women’s team. Following this, Galea had spells with the Lija Nursery and Sliema Wanderers youth nursery. The two stints were separated by a time in Sweden with Grythyttans IF.
Vince Galea will have his work cut out for him as Birkirkara will be the team to beat again next season. The Stripes will surely be aiming for an eighth consecutive title and to officially break a new record of league titles in the women’s game, the elusive thirteenth. However, the new coach will likely first set sights on the UEFA Women’s Champions League draws as the side aims to continue to upward trajectory in recent years.
Mtarfa Confirm Intention To Continue With Curmi, But With U19s
Despite a tough season, Mtarfa have confirmed that they will still be forming part of the women’s sector next season. The club confirmed that Christian Curmi will be leading the U19 Mtarfa Women’s Team. Having taken over the senior women’s team in the latter portion of the just ended season, in partnership with Brandon Spiteri, Curmi’s confirmation as the U19 coach also raises speculation on the head coaching position at the club.
The announcement of Curmi as the lead coach of the U19 Mtarfa Women’s Team also raises questions on the future of the SKMM venture, which the club embarked on last year together with Mgarr United and Gozitan side S.K. Victoria Wanderers.
Player Confirmations And Departures
Swieqi United confirmed that they will be extending the stay of Venezuelan defender Rafanny Abache Mendoza for the third season. A permanent figure in the Owls’ back-line, her signature will mean continuity for Swieqi United as they head into next season. Brazilian goalkeeper Patricia Araujo da Silva will also be extending her stay with the Owls, following her debut season on loan from Brazilian giants Corinthians.
On the other hand, Hibernians announced that January signing Kiley Norkus will not be remaining at the club. The American left-back became a permanent fixture for the team as they headed into the final throes of the season, ultimately earning a runners-up finish in the Assikura Women’s Knockout. Noting the lack of depth in the position for the team, eyes will be peeled on Hibernians’ next steps.
Meanwhile, the Paolites confirmed the retention of two key figures in the senior team. Summer signing Natalee Geren has extended her stay with the club, while striker Alexis Espitia is also confirmed to be donning the Paolites’ shirt next season. The duo were crucial leaders in the team’s trajectory throughout the season and their signatures make no harm to Hibernians’ competitive stance into next season.
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[…] Clint Tabone who is taking over from Vince Galea, with the latter having taken up the post as the head coach of Birkirkara’s Women’s senior team. Clint Tabone has also taken Galea’s position of the technical administrator for the […]