by Hibernians and Birkirkara will initiate their battle for the top place at Dingli Ground at 14:00. Having been dealt forfeits by opponents in their last two encounters, coaches Kenneth Costantino and Vince Galea sounded their thoughts on the subject, the impact and direction of the women’s game. The two also discussed the excitement brewing as they embark on a four-horse race for the title.
Dealing With Forfeits In The Game
The two teams head into this one after being dealt walkovers in their previous two games. Hibernians never set foot on the pitch, with Lija Athletic yielding the match early on Friday. Birkirkara were 4 – 0 up at half-time before Mtarfa yielded the match following a combination of injury and lack of players.
While such situations are unfortunately not a new scenario, the two coaches of Hibernians and Birkirkara, Kenneth Costantino and Vince Galea, were asked for their thoughts. Primarily in view of whether such situations are inevitable and that the football community must accept, or whether they believe that there is a defeatist attitude in that mentality.
Kenneth Costantino began, “I genuinely cannot remember walkovers in previous campaigns, though I’m sure there would have been a few. Yet I’d rather concentrate on the now than on the past. In my opinion walkovers demonstrate a lack of stability and as a result, with only eight teams, this becomes extremely concerning. This is a responsibility that everyone needs to carry.”
The Hibernians coach drew further to the role of the parties involved, “I cannot argue whether those giving forfeit did so because of a defeatist attitude. This question needs to be posed to the clubs concerned. The same team that gave a walkover just five days before, had a lineup made up of twenty players on Thursday. Yet, I understand that with fixtures being issued so late and fragmented, we as coaches are finding it extremely hard to cope. Unfortunately we have expressed our concern to the Association, but until now it has fallen on deaf ears.”
Looking at the overarching goal of the game, he had stern words for those tasked with leading the game, “What I do worry about is, what will happen to women’s football if two teams had to call it a day? Playing with six teams is in my opinion a defeat for Maltese football. Yet I ask, despite our continuous warning, what are the decision takers doing to address these problems before it becomes too late?”
Counterpart, Vince Galea, also sounded a warning in his response, in view of the general scope of the game, “There are lots of things to improve in the local game at all levels. The problem comes when stakeholders do not work together for the real growth of the sport. I am in favour that we should aim and encourage every girl to keep playing football and give the necessary tools for clubs to do this. Lots of efforts and improvements have been done, but somewhere we are failing and while some “technical” results look positive, teams are reducing year after year and that means that participation is reducing at certain level due to several reasons.”
Four Teams Challenging For The Title
While there are negatives, there is also an excitement that has been snowballing this season, as four teams head into the final phase separated by just three points. The two teams in fact head into this match with just a point separating them in the top two places, knowing that there are also Swieqi United and Mgarr United gunning for the top spot.
Once again, drawing on their long involvement in the women’s game, the two coaches were asked on their thoughts about one of the most exciting title races that the women’s game has offered in its history and the feeling for them and their players as they take on this battle.
Kenneth Costantino said, “A league battled by four teams is way more interesting than one where there is one runaway or a contest between two teams. Looking at statistics it is clear that last year’s first two placed teams had it much harder this year, whilst third and fourth placed teams have improved overall. Truth be told last year at this stage we knew that it would be close to impossible to win the league, because the first two teams had opened a much bigger advantage. This year it is extremely unpredictable, so we know well enough that most probably the winner could be declared on the last day. This gives you the impetus to work and push harder.”
Meanwhile, Birkirkara’s coach, Vince Galea replied, “This is great, all four teams are pushing and battling to get better and this can only help in the growth of the local game. However, only if it’s done gradually. The challenge is great and we are glad that we are there at this stage of the season. I hope that the league continues this way and hope that the best and most consistent team wins.”
Tightly Balanced
The two sides were close to inseparable in their first two outings. Hibernians managed a tight win by 3 – 2 in the opening round at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, before the two drew the second encounter in Dingli Ground before Christmas by 1 – 1. Birkirkara are yet to win a match against the Paolites this year, but this evening presents another of three further opportunities.
Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino was questioned on whether he believes his team can utilise the growth and new signings to win this one with more conviction. The Paolites coach was not so sure, “The level is so close that it’s impossible to say one team is in a better position. Our signings give us more depth which is fundamental in this final phase. They also provide different options. So, speaking about my team, I am very happy with what we have. Yet experience has taught me that football is chaotic and one decision, one circumstance or event can alter the balance of things.”
He finished, “We know Birkirkara’s strengths and weaknesses, just as they know ours. I think that in such games it’s a matter of who manages to exploit the opponents’ weaknesses best and limit their own who will ultimately stand the better chance.”
Vince Galea was of the belief that the results of the first two matches do not tell the whole story for his side, “Every game has its own story and although we lost and drew the games against Hibs, really and truly results could have been different. Both games were very close and we expect the same this time around.” Eyeing this afternoon’s encounter, he finished, “We look to be more clinical in attack and solid in our defensive play.”
The battle begins at 14:00 at Dingli Ground. It will be followed by the encounter between third and fourth placed, Mgarr United and Swieqi United, at 16:30.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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