by Hibernians’ U16 women’s team lifted the BNF National Women’s League title in an undefeated manner for the second season in a row. Coach Kathleen Saliba discussed the growth from last year, weighing in on the differences between competing at U16 and U19 level in these players’ development, and the investment needed to help players reach potential at international level.
Back To Back Titles With Difference
Hibernians U16 completed their title defence unbeaten with an emphatic 9 – 0 victory against Valletta yesterday, backed by a numerous and loud following in the stands. The side, led by Kathleen Saliba, had already been mathematical champions but continued pushing forward until the end to complete the season on a high.
The team amassed twelve wins and four draws throughout the campaign, without losing a single match. A healthy goal difference of 82 backed the wins, continuing the trajectory from last year.
Kathleen Saliba explained the title in view of differences with respect to the previous one, “We had some imbalances this season, but we kept our focus to push what is in our control. I always believed I had the best team and that we could make it until the end.”
Like last season, Kathleen Saliba continued to push quick-paced football and to build from the back, with the aim of developing the players for future levels. While last season players started to make appearances in the U19 league in January, this year Kathleen Saliba led most of them in both leagues. The Paolites were embroiled in a battle for second in the Assikura Women’s Youth League despite it being a first season in that league for most of the players.
In fact, asked to describe the impact and the differences between the two leagues, Kathleen Saliba began, “The most favourable thing is that the majority of the players played in both leagues and I was coaching them in both competitions. This means that they understood each other and myself more because we spent more time together.”
She continued, “The major difference was that they still needed to build confidence in the U19 league, which I believe they’ve done well to build over time. The thing that has truly impressed me by them is their ability to use their technicality in the bigger pitches where the U19 league is played.”
In fact, the Hibernians’ coach stuck to the call made at the end of last season for the U16 league to be played in larger pitches. She said, “The U16 league continues to be played in small pitches, whereas the bigger pitches of the U19 league enabled my players to truly showcase their level and grow in football. We must push for the U16 league to be played in adequate pitches.”
The Details Behind Results & Growth
As expected, with several of these players showcasing their skills regularly in the domestic leagues, their names have often cropped up in national selections. While Malta’s youth teams have struggled to gain results at international level, the discussion continues to grow with several topics coming to the fore. These are wide ranging, from the impact of the level of the league, to the way these players are prepared in the international team window.
Kathleen Saliba was asked what her thoughts are on players making these selections and helping them become even better players to compete at international level.
The former Malta international said, “As a coach my aim is to help these players reach the national team. During my sessions and matches, my aim is to teach them the game of football, accepting that mistakes can be made but that this is the only way to learn. At U16 the aim is to ensure that they have the fundamentals to be able to grow in the best player that they can be.”
Having experienced coaching at club and national team level, Kathleen Saliba noted the nuances that must be kept in mind when coaching a women’s football team, “Most girls do not watch football as much as the boys do, so there are certain basics that must be taught. Additionally, one must also keep in mind that psychology plays a much bigger role. Thus, as a coach I believe you must be aware of this and work on it.”
The Hibernians’ coach finished, “The national team is the aim of every player. The matches played at international level offer these players a different opponent, of a stronger level. The domestic level of women’s football in Malta must improve, but there are certain things we need to be able to push our players more, including the ability to play these competitions in adequate pitches.”
Celebrations will be cut short as the majority of the team refocuses for the Assikura Women’s Youth League match against the U19 champions Swieqi United. The match will be played on Tuesday at the Centenary Stadium at 20:00. Hibernians are the only team to have won a match against Swieqi United in that league this season.
Lead Image: Stefano Fava
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