by Hibernians and Birkirkara will play out their final match in the Assikura Women’s League at the Centenary Stadium, 15:00. Kenneth Costantino and Jose’ Borg provided their thoughts on the match, with respect toward each other’s trajectories and in view of Birkirkara’s celebratory afternoon in lifting the twelfth league title.
Sealed Titles and The Road To Clinching Them
The Top-Four standings are settled going into this final match, with Birkirkara ready to pop off the champagne in celebration of their twelfth title. The two teams are evidently on different paths, with Birkirkara having dominated the domestic competitions in recent years, while Hibernians seek a return to the perch following last year’s restart.
Hibernians walk into the final league match on the back of a narrow defeat to Mgarr United, the first this season, despite having had chances to at least level the score. Coach Kenneth Costantino provided his take on the match, “It was a close match. I rate Mgarr to be a strong team and no game can be taken for granted against them. I noted some things which needed to be addressed and I am hoping to see an improvement in our upcoming matches. We had our opportunities to level the game, but we lack the experience and composure needed to capitalise.”
Looking at this final match, knowing that the position is sealed, Costantino was probed about whether the match becomes more of a preparation for the upcoming Assikura Women’s Knockout rather than about winning the points themselves. Continuing in the same vein of a continuous improvement mindset, Hibernians’ coach replied, “Results should never be our target. I believe that you need to aim for consistent and improved performances. The results will then take care of themselves. When we were determined and focused we won against every team. When we lacked the necessary grit and concentration we struggled even against those considered weaker opposition on paper.”
Birkirkara’s Jose’ Borg was understandably elated by the victory over Swieqi United which sealed the title in a direct confrontation against their rivals last week, with one match to spare. They head into this final fixture knowing that the title is theirs, but seeking to finish on a high.
Looking at the upcoming match, Borg said, “There are still three points at stake, even if we have already won the title mathematically. Celebrating with a win would be much better, but whatever the result we will be celebrating our twelfth league title. We will still field our strongest squad, but obviously there is the element of celebration so there will be a rotation of players. I’ll try to give players the opportunity to enjoy the moment and give time to the players that were a big part of this massive season.”
Respect & Celebrations
The two giants in local women’s football will take to the pitch with respect for each other’s history and current trajectories. Hibernians’ club was one of the first clubs to congratulate the Stripes on their achievement, with Costantino probed about whether the record-equalling title instigates a further desire for a busy off-season in search of rising further in the rankings.
Costantino replied, “Of course we congratulate Birkirkara. They won a very tough and hard fought league. Ironically I was coach of Birkirkara when the fortunes were inverted. At the time, Birkirkara had finished 4th in the league and nobody gave us a chance of winning the league the following season. We defied all odds and managed the unthinkable. I think that now, as coach of Hibernians, we are in a similar situation. So we must believe that we can achieve a similar feat.”
On the other hand, Birkirkara’s team are looking to celebrate the title in front of a supporting crowd, following last year’s empty showing due to the lack of a final match, as a result of a walkover yielded by San Gwann.
Asked about the team’s anticipation for the celebratory afternoon in view of last year’s events, Birkirkara’s coach Jose Borg’s response suggests that there are still some scars, “This year will be different, because last year San Gwann let everyone down by yielding a walk-over which was a disgrace to football. I still remember it to this day and still have the anger for that. This year, we will be facing Hibernians, a good team, a team that is planning for the future.”
Borg noted the efforts by Birkirkara’s committee to work promote the match that will conclude with the lifting of the trophy, “We have been promoting the match all week, giving it full prominence in our Birkirkara main social media pages. We think there should be a good crowd of supporters ready to celebrate this moment with the team. I think the team deserves to be rewarded and to enjoy this moment with their families and supporters.”
Those wishing to purchase online tickets may still do so here. The two teams kick off their final Assikura Women’s League match of the 2023/24 season at the Centenary Stadium at 15:00.
The other top-four match between Mgarr United and Swieqi United will be played at Mgarr Ground, KO 14:00.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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