by Mgarr United and Hibernians will conclude the penultimate Assikura Women’s League weekend this afternoon at Mgarr Ground (KO 16:30). Both teams head into it looking to bounce back, also knowing they will certainly meet again in the Assikura Women’s Knockout. While points are on the agenda, Matthew Muscat and Kenneth Costantino both appear to be focused on the long-term development of their teams.
Elusive Consistency
Mgarr United and Hibernians provided a few of the most engrossing encounters over the season. This afternoon will lead to their final battle in the league, but the two sides head into it knowing that they will face each other in the Assikura Women’s Knockout quarter-finals.
Both sides will head into the match looking to bounce back following defeats. The Greens were unable to take points against Birkirkara, despite the Stripes going down to ten for the majority of the second half, ultimately losing out by 1-0.
Probed about conceding a soft goal and the inability to break down Birkirkara, despite the number advantage, Matthew Muscat replied, “It was indeed disappointing to concede a goal, particularly considering the circumstances and the limited opportunities Birkirkara created. Their ability to manage the game even after being reduced to ten players was notable. From our side, while we did create a couple of promising chances towards the end, we could have capitalised better, especially given the numerical advantage. However, I cannot fault our players as I felt we were positive going forward.”
Meanwhile, Hibernians provided plenty of fight against Swieqi United, but ultimately walked away with a tough scoreline of 6-2. Kenneth Costantino was probed about the discrepancy in the scoreline, as opposed to the results obtain in smaller pitches.
Costantino weighed in, “I describe football as a chaotic game. As coaches we wish to believe that we can control this chaos, but in reality the game always wins. That’s why it’s addictive. A week before we controlled, who I believe, is the team to beat. Fast forward to the next game and we concede the biggest loss of the season. Genuinely I think we made some mistakes and some tactical flaws were exposed. We analysed the game and took notes on things we aim to work on.”
Looking to the future, Costantino continued, “The team is young but they try their best and for me that is enough for now. We are a work in progress and we will become better. I don’t want to talk about the missing players as it would be unfair to the team that best Birkirkara in the previous week, besides it being an excuse. The day the team doesn’t show a need for improvement is the day I will not be needed anymore.”
Weighing Selections
The Greens’ have been keen on giving more time to youngster Kayah Abela Sciberras since the turn of staff, while Shakira Camilleri was trusted to start against Birkirkara on the wing. Asked about the two, Mgarr United’s Matthew Muscat replied, “In terms of player selection, our philosophy is to give opportunities to those who consistently perform well in training and make an impact when given the chance.”
On the other hand, both players have been preferred mostly on the wing, despite being capable of taking the central striker position. That duty has often been entrusted to Fernanda Peinado, who on her part is also dangerous on the flanks.
Probed about such decisions of positioning players, Muscat replied, “Players like Kayah and Shakira have shown their capabilities, and their versatility is an asset to the team. As regards Fernanda, we believe in her strengths in that role but having said that, she played attacking midfielder in the last two games against Birkirkara. The ability of players like Shakira to adapt to different positions is valuable and is a part of our tactical considerations.”
Meanwhile, Hibernians took to the pitch against Swieqi United with a few youngsters of their own, while Nicole Sciberras was a continued absence. Kayleigh Chetcuti and Sarah Urpani have occupied the holding midfield position, but both are also keen on the offensive part of the game.
Asked whether this gap hints at a need for developing someone more inclined to the holding midfield position or perhaps looking into the market in the summer window, Costantino replied, “Every team will try to strengthen and Hibs will not be an exception. However, as a coach I work to see individuals grow, become better and develop. This takes time, but to me there is no bigger satisfaction. If we then see that there is a need to strengthen particular positions because we do not have internal solutions then we will consider.”
A Final Showdown Before The Knockout
Hibernians will walk into this with the confidence of a 3-0 head to head ratio in their favour, besides drawing out the first encounter. It is one that has turned the tables from last season.
Asked whether they consider this match a must-win before heading into a decisive tie, Mgarr United’s Matthew Muscat pondered, “Facing Hibernians, a team we’ve had close encounters with this season but haven’t yet overcome, is certainly a challenge we are prepared for. While our focus is to strive for a win in every match, we understand that each game writes its own story. The matches against Hibernians have been closely contested, and though the outcomes haven’t been in our favour, they provide us with key insights for improvement.”
However, Muscat rejected the relationship between the two competitions, “As for the upcoming Knockout Quarter-Finals, it’s a different competition, and often, different competitions bring different dynamics. We’re approaching it with a positive mindset.”
On the other hand, a win for Hibernians would keep alive the possibility of pipping Swieqi United to second place in the league on the final matchday. This, besides the psychological effects of the head-to-head ratio as they then meet the Greens in the Knockout.
Asked about working toward those two goals, Costantino replied, “I believe that a team is as good as their last game. If we win or lose, the past results won’t change, yet what you bring on the day is what counts. I admit, second place would be a nice achievement, but it is feeling our ego mostly. It would be far more important to help players grow, play more minutes and care for the team. People see the score, but what is special about this team is the unity we have managed to build. They are good players with loads of potential, but mostly they are awesome persons with a great attitude. No trophy can replace that.”
The two teams will conclude the penultimate Assikura Women’s League matchday at Mgarr Ground, with kick-off scheduled at 16:30. The match will follow the clash between San Gwann and Lija Athletic (KO 14:00) who will be fighting for second-place in the Bottom Four group.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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