by Swieqi United confirmed a lock-in for coaches Dorianne Theuma & Mandy Debono with the senior & U19 teams. Hibernians strengthened their midfield through the signing of Ileana Farrugia, while Nicole Sciberras extended her stay. Lija Athletic made Ylenia Azzopardi’s transfer permanent, while Birkirkara bolstered their youth squad.
Swieqi Confirm Senior & U19 Coaches, Salamatu Abdulai Extends
Swieqi United confirmed that Dorianne Theuma will be officially taking over the head coaching duties of the women’s senior team after having recently put an end to her playing career. Mandy Debono will be taking the assistant coaching duties to Dorianne Theuma with the senior team. The duo take over the roles after having acted as player-coaches for the latter portion of last season with the senior team.
In doing so, Dorianne Theuma will relinquish her head coaching position with the U19 team, which will be taken over by the same Mandy Debono. The latter returns to the head coach position of the U19 women’s team, with the target of defending the league and Knockout titles respectively.
The club also announced that Ghanaian forward Salamatu Abdulai will be extending her stay with the Owls for another season. Abdulai notched the top scorer accolade in the Assikura Women’s League last year, while also contributing effectively toward the titles with the U19 team. The forward’s performances also earned her a spot with the U20 Ghana Women’s National Team, as they prepare for the upcoming U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be held in Colombia later this year.
The club is yet to make any new signing announcements, but sent ripples with their decision to issue semi-professional contracts for their women’s team players as from this upcoming season.
Ileana Farrugia To Hibernians, Nicole Sciberras Extends Stay
The Paolites have made their first signing official, securing the services of Ileana Farrugia, who makes the switch from Birkirkara. Capable of playing in central midfield as well as in wider positions, Farrugia adds depth to the squad while bringing in experience from a championship winning team.
The club also made a key retention in securing the signature of vice-captain Nicole Sciberras who will be prolonging her stay with the club.
Hibernians also confirmed that Michael Baldacchino will be filling the ‘Strength & Conditioning’ coach position vacated by Brenda Muscat.
Lija Makes Ylenia Azzopardi Deal Permanent
Ylenia Azzopardi will be continuing her stay with Lija Athletic on a permanent basis, following a successful loan spell with the team for the latter portion of last season. In doing so, Azzopardi formalizes the departure from Birkirkara.
The youngster had a good spell with Lija Athletic, having impressed in midfield, but also brings the side depth in defence. The seventeen-year-old made key contributions with Lija Athletic last season as they amassed a total of twenty-two points in their return to the Assikura Women’s League under the namesake.
Birkirkara Make Major Swoop With Youth Player Signings
The Stripes have bolstered their youth setup with five key signings from several clubs. Thaissa Cross is confirmed to have made the switch to the Stripes from Lija Sliema having featured extensively in the U16 league as the club finished in the top four spots in a debut season.
Kay Axiak joins the Stripes from Swieqi United, while the club also securing two crucial signatures from Mariah Micallef and Shanneil Farrugia, with the duo making the switch from San Gwann. Izabella Stringer was the fourth signing, who will be donning the yellow and red shirt next season, having represented SKMM last year. The four players all made appearances for their respective clubs in the BNF Women’s National League (U16) and the Assikura Women’s Youth League (U19) late last season as well.
The club also confirmed the retention of Ana Mercieca and Krista Sacco, with the two having featured with the U16 team, as well as in the Assikura Women’s Youth League toward the latter portion of the season.
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi (Swieqi United FC)
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