by The Assikura Women’s League returns today following a historic international break performance for Malta. The league kicks-off with a double-header at the Centenary Stadium starting at 14:00 with the top-of-the-table clash between Hibernians and Swieqi United.
International Break
The first-round match between Hibernians and Swieqi United was a cracker that saw the Paolites snatch a win with two quick goals that stunned the Owls just after the half-time team talks. Hibernians will go into the match knowing that a victory will extend their lead at the top. However, on the flip side, a defeat would allow Swieqi United to pip them to first place by a point, while opening the door for Birkirkara who have a game in hand over the two.
The two sides will head into the match following the international break which although historic for Malta, presents the usual disturbances for those coaching in club football. Swieqi United had six players called up with the senior team, while having seven more called up with the U17 squad. On the other hand, Hibernians had Nicole Sciberras playing the majority of the two matches for Malta, while having a few youngsters also called up with the U17 squad.
Keith Gouder was reluctant to get involved in any comparison on how the two teams are affected by the different number of call-ups. However, insisted that the team is well prepared for the match, “We have been working well over the last days in preparation for the match. Now it is key that the players will be ready on the pitch and give their very best to obtain a positive result.”
Saviour Darmanin acknowledged that the disturbance due to the international break is unavoidable but still irksome. He said, “Of course Hibernians are our closer rivals and I would have liked to have a better opportunity to prepare the team. The international break meant that I had a total of thirteen players missing from training (between senior and youth national squads), so I had a very limited squad to prepare for this match. Despite this, I believe a lot in the work that is being done by the MFA in the women’s sector, as shown by the results by the senior national team.”
Growth Since First Round Fixture & Super Cup Final
Hibernians were clinical in the first round to grab a 2-1 victory. However, asked whether he is looking for more control in the match, Keith Gouder suggested that he is more interested in how possession is used, “A team can dictate the game more when having higher possession. However, having more possession doesn’t always mean that you will win the game. It is fundamental what a team does with the possession, but again the key factors will be how the team will react once they lose it. So, again, I think it will be a game where transition can play a big part.”
Meanwhile, Swieqi United’s coach Saviour Darmanin is looking toward redemption in the match but acknowledges that Hibernians have kept up their form, “We had a lot of possession in the reverse fixture and chances, but we had poor finishing. Meanwhile, Hibernians were disciplined and capitalised on two mistakes in the defence to get the points. This discipline and consistency is something that they kept up to currently get themselves at the top of the table. They also grew in confidence as individuals and as a team which has helped them to keep this consistency.”
On the other hand, Swieqi United have grabbed crucial points, since the defeat against Hibernians, to be just two points adrift of Hibernians and thus maintain the title challenge. Although held by Mgarr United, they grabbed a total of four points against Birkirkara, while continuing to dominate other matches.
However, asked about how much of a psychological boost he believes this gives to his opponents, Keith Gouder focused on his own team and the upcoming match. He said, “At this stage in these games, the team must be ready to face every opponent with a winning mentality. Past results will not count tomorrow, not even our first-round win against Swieqi. Tomorrow is another game, and we need to be ready for the challenge.”
On the other hand, like Birkirkara’s Jose Borg, Saviour Darmanin will have one eye on Wednesday’s Super Cup final. However, questioned on the impact of this match on selections related to the Super Cup, Darmanin said, “Certainly the Super Cup is a big match. However, we must think match by match. We must focus on being in the best possible shape for the match against Hibernians to take the maximum points because this is an important and challenging match too. We have the quality, much as Hibernians do, so we must also treat this match as a final in itself. Of course you hope to do well in the match without suffering any new injuries and then set sight on Super Cup after this match.”
The two will reignite the Assikura Women’s League at 14:00 at the Centenary Stadium. The match will be followed by San Gwann against Birkirkara (16:30).
Lead Images: TSF / Jonathan Sajeba (Swieqi United FC)
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