by Mgarr United and Swieqi United will be the final two teams to kick off their Assikura Women’s League campaigns this evening at 19:30 at the Centenary Stadium. Having shared the silverware last year, Ryan Vella & Dorianne Theuma weighed in on the objectives for each of their sides as they head into this one with one successful season in the bag.
Objectives For Last Year’s Top Two
Mgarr United and Swieqi United will officially kickstart their Assikura Women’s League season this evening at the Centenary Stadium. The two teams shared the silverware last season, with Mgarr claiming the cup (Knockout), while Swieqi lifted the league title and the Super Cup. Consistency appears to be the name of the game for the two as they were probed about objectives.
Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella weighed in, “Our objectives for this season is to keep building on what we started last season. Our aim is to keep progressing as individuals and as a team to reach our maximum potential, and to challenge the best teams in our league and finish in the best position possible.”
It was a similar response from Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma, “Our objectives remain the same as last season. We will continue to approach each match on its own merit, focusing on improving both as individuals and as a team. Consistency will be key and we will keep working on strengthening our identity while staying grounded in our day-to-day progress.”
The two coaches were in their first full season in charge of their teams last season, with that first stint proving successful in setting a strong enough foundation to win titles.
Mgarr United proved effective in adapting, including to the mounting injuries ,to secure their title. It begs the question whether the counter-attacking approach has ultimately become their strongest weapon or if they will seek to dominate matches more this year as they return to full force.
Ryan Vella replied, “During the first season we had a lot of changes happen both in coaching staff and players so we knew we needed time to gel and usually we had to adapt depending on our opponent. This year we’re going to try to be more concrete in our style of play, but at the same time know that some adaptation will be needed during certain moments in games.”
Dorianne Theuma’s side made more transfers in this window. Questioned on the impact of signings and the success of last year on the team’s approach this season, Swieqi United’s coach was full of praise for the way the team went about their business last year, “Last season was about building the team and identifying areas where we needed to improve. The players exceeded expectations with their maturity and consistency and we were proud of how far they came.”
Looking toward the upcoming challenge, Dorianne Theuma continued, “This year, we have a stronger foundation and some added depth with the new arrivals, but other teams are also working very hard to strengthen. I believe it will once again be a very competitive season, and we must stay humble, focused, and ready to give our best in every match.”
Selections In Response To The 135 Rule & Changes In Youth Structure
Mgarr United have returned to the Assikura Women’s Youth League this year, in a joint venture with Lija Athletic. It proves a new challenge for Ryan Vella to balance, while the side will also have to abide by the 135 minute rule between alternating matches in the leagues as with other teams.
Ryan Vella was positive about the club’s return to youth-level competitions while underlining the squad role that these players will have for the team’s senior competitions as well, “Our U21s are very important to us, as they will provide very important squad depth for our senior team and I’m sure a lot of youngsters will play an important role during the season.”
The Mgarr United coach was another one critical of the 135-minute rule itself, continuing to shed light on the divisive opinions over its impact. He said, “Unfortunately we’ll have to calculate everything by the minute due to the new rule. As a coach I don’t agree with it as in my opinion, the more these players play, the more they will improve.”
Meanwhile, Swieqi United’s youth group will undergo another coaching change, the third consecutive one at youth level, as Francesco Galluzzo takes over. The team managed to earn titles in each of the last two seasons, but Galluzzo is a new member to Swieqi United.
In this regard, Swieqi United’s coaching contingent is well versed in the tricks of balancing the playing time. Dorianne Theuma weighed in on the desire to continue working in this vein but hinted at the transition of some eligible players.
She said, “Last season we managed this balance well, especially considering the intensity of the league towards the end. This year, some players will need to take on more responsibility with the senior team, but we will continue working closely with Coach Francesco to ensure their development is not rushed. The young players are the backbone of our squad, and our role is to guide them step by step so that they can grow and prepare themselves to compete at a higher level.”
Will It Be As Tight?
The matches between Mgarr United and Swieqi United proved to be among the most tactical and cagey matches last season. Tight margins often separated the two, with victories shared and a rivalry that brewed last year. The two coaches were probed on their thoughts on this evening’s match and whether they believe tonight’s could be a different story due to the tactical and squad evolutions over the summer period.
Ryan Vella replied, “Although both us and Swieqi might change some things tactically due to new players, in these kind of games I think the battles will always be quite similar. Both teams will try to use the strength of their own team and exploit the weaknesses of their opponents. At the end of the day, as always the team that will make the least mistakes and be the most clinical in their chances will take the three points.”
His counterpart Dorianne Theuma replied, “Both Mgarr and ourselves have kept the core of our squads, which brings continuity and allows us to keep building on what was established last year. They are always a very strong side, and I expect our matches to be highly competitive again.”
Casting a wider view, the Swieqi coach finished, “At the same time, we know every team in the league is progressing and capable of challenging us. For that reason, our biggest task is to remain consistent, respectful of all opponents, and focused on giving our best performance week after week.”
The two teams will initiate their league campaigns this evening at 19:30 at the Centenary Stadium.
Lead Images: Elise Bajada / Michael Azzopardi (Swieqi United)
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