by Swieqi United will start their trajectory to earn back-to-back trophies in the Assikura Women’s Knockout with today’s quarter-final match against Mtarfa at Mgarr Ground (14:00). The Blues’ Mario Formosa suggests that despite the tough task ahead, the team is returning with a full squad and aiming to test themselves in view of the future. Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma suggests the team is taking to the pitch with a blank slate, an aim to go far and to enjoy the journey along the way.
Building Toward Success
Mtarfa and Swieqi United will kick off today’s proceedings in the Assikura Women’s Knockout in a first encounter between the two this calendar year. The two sides know that Hibernians await in the semi-finals following their victory over Mgarr United, yesterday.
Considering their league campaign Mtarfa go into it knowing that it will be a tough match, but the side is yet to test themselves against a top four rival since several changes in the coaching regime.
Team manager Mario Formosa suggested that the side is taking to the match with an appetite to learn, “After the league defeat against Lija Athletic, we had to regroup ourselves. Unfortunately we didn’t have a lucky draw as we’re going face the second best team in Malta and last year’s Knockout winners. But improvements only come when you face stronger teams and we look forward to always learn from these type of games.”
On the other hand, Swieqi United head into their title defence with an aim to go far. Asked whether having something to defend affects their approach, Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma suggested the side is looking at the competition as a blank slate. She said, “Winning this cup is one of our targets that we would like to achieve, irrelevant of our success last year. The Knockout competition is different, as it’s all or nothing in each game. As soon as you have a weak performance, you will get knocked out.”
Questioned about whether the tougher path affects preparations, Dorianne Theuma is not getting carried away, “We do have the tougher path of the two, however it is useless thinking about the whole path if you do not win the first game. We will take this competition round by round, as we did last season, and enjoy every second of it.”
Injury Recoveries & Preparations
Mtarfa’s Formosa acknowledged that the international break came at a good time to allow the side to recover players who had been sidelined by injury. He said, “Luckily we recovered all the injured players we had during the past couple of months.”
Asked about utlising the break to prepare for the big fixture, Mtarfa’s Mario Formosa suggested the side is looking long-term, “Coaches Chris (Curmi) and Brandon (Spiteri) did a sterling job during the international break, with very good sessions that for sure will help us against Swieqi United. Work that was done not only for tomorrow’s match but also in perspective of the next season.”
On the other hand, Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma did not have good news on the injury front, “Unfortunately none of the injured players have recovered as yet.” Despite this the veteran suggests that the side’s youngsters are ready continue proving their worth, “However, we do have our youth players training hard and performing well, so it will be a great opportunity for them,” she finished.
The side had several players on international duty, including Shona Zammit who was instrumental in the heart of Malta’s midfield against the Northern Ireland and Portugal. Jade Flask and Dorianne Theuma were also among the selections, while Jade Schembri replaced the injured Emma Xuereb during the break. Additionally, Venezuelan Rafanny Abache Mendoza was also away on international duty with her country.
Asked about preparing for the fixture despite the short turnaround, Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma replied, “The turnaround from international break to the first Knockout game is rather close, however the team has been training hard these past two weeks, as well as those called up with the National team. We had a few sessions as a full squad before today’s fixture and everyone who is fit is ready to give their all.”
Seeking A Place In The Semis
The two teams will head into the afternoon sun looking for a win that takes them into the semi-finals. Mario Formosa suggested that Mgarr Ground’s confines is something that Mtarfa are seeking to exploit in their bid to frustrate the defending champions. He said, “With the quality of players Swieqi have in their squad, they can be dangerous in any ground, but hopefully Mgarr Ground can help us to be more compact.”
On the other hand, asked about the effect of facing Mtarfa under a different coaching regime for the first time, and the fact that it will be in the smaller pitch at Mgarr, Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma suggests that the team will be sticking to their philosophy.
“As a team we always stuck to our own game, despite the opponents, and tomorrow is no different,” she replied. “Our style does change slightly given we will be playing in Mgarr ground, but we had plenty of games throughout the season there and we are looking forward to sticking to our game plan and enjoy playing.”
The two teams will kick-off today’s double header at Mgarr Ground at 14:00. The match will be followed by the other quarter-final between Valletta and San Gwann, expected to start at 16:30.
Lead Images: Mtarfa FC / Lara Schembri
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