by Mtarfa will take on Lija Athletic as the two aim to finish their league commitments for the season at Dingli Ground at 14:00. Mtarfa’s Simon Spiteri spoke of the team’s determination despite the tribulations of the season to score the first point. The team aims to finish on a high in view of a positive future for the team.
Not All Draws Are Equal
The two teams head into their final league match on the back of draws. Lija Athletic held San Gwann to a point, giving the Yellows a run for their money but unable to convert it into three points. However, it was enough for them to stay in contention against Valletta for second place.
On the other hand, Mtarfa held Valletta to a goalless draw. Although it shed an equal point on each side in the table, it was underscored as a crucial moment for Mtarfa’s season who were yet to get themselves going in the table.
Simon Spiteri reflected on the tribulations of the season when asked about getting the point against Valletta. He began, “Mtarfa Women FC have faced an extremely challenging season from the very beginning, marked by a series of setbacks that have tested the team’s resilience. The club was hit with prohibitions that restricted player transfers and significantly limited the ability to register new players, making it difficult to strengthen the squad.”
“Adding to the turmoil, head coach Gaetano (Papaleo) unexpectedly stepped down from his role with the senior women’s team, leaving the squad without leadership at a critical time. His departure further compounded the struggles the team was already facing due to the prohibitions.”
He continued, “Just when the team hoped to stabilise, another wave of prohibitions was imposed in January, deepening the club’s difficulties. These restrictions continued to hinder the club’s operations, preventing essential reinforcements and adding to the squad’s woes. To make matters worse, several minor players suffered injuries, further depleting the team’s available roster and limiting their ability to compete at full strength.”
“Despite these formidable challenges, Mtarfa Women FC have continued to push forward with determination. Last week’s draw against Valletta was the team’s first point of the season and confirmed the progress we have been making despite all the issues. The players have remained dedicated and committed under a formidable technical staff led by myself, and assisted by Christian Curmi and Brandon Spiteri.”
Having continued to raise questions on the longevity of the project considering the negative tally, Mtarfa are eyeing the future, “The team is now looking forward to another positive performance in their last game of the season before stepping aside for club administrators, led by Marica Spiteri and Mario Formosa, to focus on preparations for the next season.”
“The team remains committed to overcoming adversity and finishing the season with resilience and team spirit, hoping for a more favourable outcome in the future,” he finished.
Lija Athletic will know that anything less than a victory will certainly yield the second place spot in the Bottom Four to Valletta. However, Mtarfa will be hoping to add more to their tally and finish the league commitments by continuing on the positive trajectory.
The Sporting Fan reached out for comments from Lija Athletic’s Jethron Azzopardi but none were received at the time of writing.
The two teams will take to the pitch in Dingli Ground at 14:00, while Swieqi United take on Hibernians at the Centenary Stadium ahead of the trophy celebrations. Valletta will take on San Gwann at 16:30 at Dingli Ground.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri / Elise Bajada
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[…] two teams will take to the pitch at the Centenary Stadium at 14:00. In the Bottom Four, Mtarfa will be taking on Lija Athletic at the same time at Dingli Ground, to be followed by Valletta against San Gwann (16:30). The results of the two Bottom Four matches […]