Change On The Cards For Mgarr & San Gwann

League champions Mgarr United return to action aiming to maintain momentum in the final stretch of the campaign as they face San Gwann this evening at Charles Abela Stadium (18:00). Ryan Vella hinted at squad rotation as the Greens balance freshness and competitiveness. Meanwhile, San Gwann begin a new chapter under as yet interim coach Denilson Borg as the club navigates change both on and off the pitch amid key departures in the dressing room, including long-term captain Annabelle Rapa.

Greens Keen On Momentum Amid Potential Return

Mgarr United will take to the pitch as champions for the first time against a San Gwann side that is going through a fair share of change.

Ryan Vella has the plan set for the upcoming matches, “Now that the championship is already secured, the approach to the remaining matches is about finding the right balance. We want to give some rest to players who have played a lot of minutes during the season, while also giving opportunities to players who haven’t had as much game time to show their quality.”

The team is three matches away from completing the league championship in an unbeaten manner.

However, Vella is keen on maintaining a positive streak of results not just in view of the league campaign, “It’s important that we continue to field a competitive team because maintaining momentum is key. Winning the league was our main objective, but staying sharp and prepared for the Knockout is just as important.”

The international break brought with it additional match time away from club level for a few, including goalkeeper Giulia D’Antuono and midfielder Brenda Borg. At the same time, it offered an opportunity for recovering some injuries.

The Mgarr United coach gave thumbs up to the return of a player from the sideline, though unyielding in names, “On a positive note, we’re close to having another player return from a long-term injury, which will be a big boost for us. As for the players who were away on international duty, they’ve come back fit and ready to go, which is obviously very important for us heading into the final stretch.”

Ryan Vella underscored the impact of injuries, while crediting the importance of a strong squad, “Even though the season has been very positive overall, we’ve still had to deal with a couple of injuries over the past months, and in the last few games we had to adapt because of that. Credit to the players because they were always ready to step up, and we still managed to get the results we needed.”

San Gwann In Transition

San Gwann announced that it will part ways with Julian Camilleri at the end of February, just at the start of the international break. Camilleri leaves the team after two and a half seasons in charge, taking San Gwann into double figures in points – from the bottom of the table to topping the Bottom Pool last year.

However, the club has parted ways with Camilleri, with Denilson Borg taking over the team in the interim. Having served as assistant coach in the past, while also coaching the U21 team and involved in U16 leadership as well, and considered the Technical Director of the women’s sector at San Gwann, Denilson Borg spoke of the appointment, “The club decided to put me in charge of the senior team two weeks ago. Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Julian Camilleri for the past three seasons we worked together.”

The permanence of Borg’s role as coach is still to be decided, “That is something the club will need to decide and evaluate carefully.”

However, Borg made no attempt to disguise his desire to put his name in the hat should the club require it, “Personally, I consider myself a club man. I have worked with almost all the youth age groups, so I know very well the players coming through our nursery. I will respect whatever decision the club takes, but one thing is certain — I will always be there to help San Gwann reach the targets we set from the moment I first joined the club.”

Borg becomes the third coach in the league (half the coaches), who is now leading both the U21 and the senior team simultaneously.

He spoke positively of the first days in charge of both cohorts, “The transition has been quite smooth because many of the players have already worked with me during their time with the U21 team. From the first training session, the main thing I addressed was bringing back the energy that had faded due to the results this season. I spoke about the importance of positivity within the group, respect towards the coaching staff, and respect between the players themselves.”

However, changes are indeed afoot not just in leadership on the touchline. Long-term captain Annabelle Rapa has announced her retirement from playing, with the former captain also already involved in coaching at grassroots level in the club. Kirsty Paris also announced her retirement during the international break. Further changes are expected – making San Gwann’s transition one to watch, beginning tonight.

Tactical variations are on the cards from Borg, “We also discussed some tactical aspects and I explained more clearly the way I want the team to play, our style and game model, and the responsibilities I expect from the players.”

Looking long-term, Borg finished, “At this moment, we have nothing to lose. Instead, we should see this as an opportunity to start building something for next season.”

A key element of that in Borg’s view is the balance between senior and youth players, “In our situation, where we are not currently among the top four teams in the league, we need to work in a different way. This is something I have insisted on a lot.”

“From the youth perspective, this season has probably been one of the best seasons for the club,” Borg underscored. The team is in third place in the Assikura Women’s Youth League, five points below Birkirkara, with Hibernians topping the league in that group.

Looking ahead, Borg finished, “That means there is a lot of potential in these young players. So why not give them the opportunity to experience senior football? At the same time, I believe that if a player shows hunger, commitment, and potential, the team can still remain competitive. My aim is to give young players the chance to grow and shine while continuing to compete at senior level.”

All To Play For

As noted above, Mgarr United have hardly put a foot wrong this year. It is thus no surprise that San Gwann enter the match facing the daunting task of overthrowing the league champions for the first time.

Ryan Vella was questioned on his expectations of changes within the San Gwann approach given their change in leadership, “Whenever there is a change of coach, there are always some changes in the team. San Gwann are, and have always been, a well-prepared side that can make any game very complicated if you’re not performing at one hundred percent.”

However, Mgarr will take to the pitch with their own targets set, “For us, the focus remains mainly on our own preparation. We want to continue building on the positive performances and the run of results we’ve had, and hopefully we can bring another three points home.”

While change is the name of the game at San Gwann, Denilson Borg praised Mgarr United’s approach to the season as they face the new champions, “The job that Mgarr have done this season is incredible. They have a very complete squad with a strong mix of quality Maltese players and very good foreign players. They also have a very good coaching staff, which is why they have been so consistent throughout the season.”

However, Borg refused to be roped into discussions on what his team requires to throw off the league champions in this evening’s match, “When I speak to my players, I don’t focus on things like winning, losing, points, or goals. My message is that we need to focus on ourselves and rediscover our identity as a team. Of course, facing the best team in the league is never easy, but I believe in my players and I believe they are capable of producing a strong performance.”

Certainly plenty is on the cards tonight, with the two teams kicking off at 18:00 at the Charles Abela Stadium. Swieqi United will be taking on Birkirkara at the same time at Dingli Ground.

Lead Image: Brandon Bonett

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