by Swieqi United and Hibernians will kick-off today’s semi-finals in the Assikura Women’s Knockout at 18:00 at the Centenary Stadium. Dorianne Theuma and Kenneth Costantino were reluctant to call this one, while providing thoughts on the potential bearing of Theuma’s retirement announcement. Costantino also closed the chapter on last week’s controversy surrounding a media post on Hibernians’ page.
Into The Semi-Finals
Swieqi United and Hibernians will meet again in today’s semi-final, following victories over Mtarfa and Mgarr United, respectively. The match-up will give rise to the sixth meet between the two this season, while also reminiscent of last year’s final in the Assikura Women’s Knockout, which Swieqi United went on to win.
Swieqi United kept up the strong margin of victory against Mtarfa to settle into the competition with confidence, in a match which featured various tweaks from the side throughout as they appeared to seek to test new waters, while consolidating strengths.
Asked about the relevance of earning this victory in this manner, while also having the first opportunity to play as a unit following the international break, Dorianne Theuma replied, “We wanted to take something from this game, not just the win. We have being working on our style of play and after the international break it was a good opportunity to regroup and use this game to prepare better for our upcoming game.”
On the other hand, Hibernians secured their place in the final four following a victory over top-four rivals Mgarr United. Asked on his assessment of the performance, including the relevance of playing a strong rival in the lead-up to the semi-final, Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino replied, “We played a very strong Mgarr side. They had won games against us and Swieqi. We have been hampered by injuries and yet we managed to display a very positive first half. In sheer honesty, I believe we could have put the game to bed. They came out stronger in the second half, but notwithstanding their quality, we held on to a win. Swieqi are an equally strong team and we will once again show our best.”
However, having done plenty of work to promote the matches, as well as coming up with several new ways to promote the women’s game, including the creation of a matchday programme in the season, Hibernians’ media team got an earful of complaints following a post by the official media page after the quarter-final. Several voiced disagreements over the suitability of the post on the club’s page. Club’s personnel have since defended the post as only being intended as banter.
Asked whether he believes the post was miscalculated from the club’s side or whether it was taken too seriously, Kenneth Costantino responded, “I would not like to add much more to the matter. As you said our media and PR have done a great job. They were also the first to congratulate Birkirkara on winning the league and organised a guard of honour, something never done locally in women’s football. No one complimented their sportsmanship on the day, but many were eager to take to the keyboard to condemn the club. I think Hibernians brought many new positive changes to women’s football and I would rather concentrate on these.”
The Weight Of A Legacy
In the women’s game, the week started with Dorianne Theuma’s announcement that she will be retiring from the game following the end of the season, which varies depending on tonight’s events. Probed about her thoughts on whether that decision affects her approach to the match, Dorianne Theuma offered, “Retiring was in the back on my mind for quite a long time now and this never affected the approach of the game.” As to the effect on the team taking to the pitch, the skipper replied, “If it does affect the team’s mentality, I hope it is in a positive way.”
On the other hand, asked about whether he believes the timing of Dorianne Theuma’s announcement affects the teams’ mentality going into the match or their approach, Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino replied, “I think that is a question which should be directed to Dorianne Theuma. From our end, we respect her decision and I am sure it was a difficult one to take. We appreciate what she has done for women’s football and I can only speak positively about her. I had the pleasure to coach her in what was possibly the most heartbreaking season ever. There was always a great mutual respect and even when we did not agree on issues, our relationship always remained positive. I truly wish her well in her new venture.”
Does Last Year’s Final Matter?
As noted above, the two teams have met several times this season, throughout which new players and even coaching staff has been introduced. The contrast even starker when one considers the the changes since last year’s final.
Both Dorianne Theuma and Kenneth Costantino were probed about the matter and whether they think these changes, along with the fact that this time they meet in a semi-final as opposed to a final, has any bearing.
Swieqi’s skipper suggests another close battle lies in wait, “For us, every game in the Knockout competition is a final. We had different results throughout the season against Hibernians and the result can go both ways. We have to be ready and give our one-hundred percent until the end of the game to be able to get a positive result.”
Kenneth Costantino was of a similar frame of mind, “I always reiterate that every game is a story. There is no unbeatable team. We have improved as a team and we will try our best to reach the final. Anything else would be pure speculation.”
The two teams will kick-off today’s double header in the Assikura Women’s Knockout at 18:00 at the Centenary Stadium. Their match will be followed by the other semi-final between Valletta and Birkirkara (KO 20:30 unless extra-time ensues).
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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