by The Assikura Women’s League will tomorrow initiate its final matchday of the first phase, although the top and bottom four split has already been mathematically defined. Containing eight teams, the top four is currently separated by just four points, with the battle in the bottom four also expected to be hard-fought one.
Top Four Battle
Swieqi United currently lead the pack, by just one point. Having had to settle for runners-up in the past, they are once again bidding toward their maiden triumph under the leadership of recently retired Maltese veteran and former captain, Dorianne Theuma.
Having had a slow start, the team grew into a good momentum to clinch the Super Cup, which they backed up with further wins to rise to the top spot before Christmas.
There will not be much time for the Owls to gradually get into things, with only direct encounters awaiting them. They will hope they did not leave their momentum in 2024 as they meet fourth-placed Mgarr United for the final match of round two tomorrow. Mgarr United will have the bit between their teeth to close the gap to Swieqi United to just one point. They meet under the flood-lights at the Centenary Stadium, KO 20:15*.
Swieqi United are closely followed by Hibernians, who hold second place on 30 points. Led by the seasoned Kenneth Costantino, and considered giants in Malta’s women’s game, the Paolites are aiming to be the first to claim the record thirteenth title ahead of Birkirkara.
Although not currently holding the top spot, the Paolites will head into the calendar year with the best goal difference in the division. They will be keen on Swieqi United and Mgarr United dropping points against each other as they head for their final match of the round.
Meanwhile, seasoned winners and defending champions Birkirkara are in third place on 29 points. The team has battled plenty of internal change with a new coaching setup led by Vince Galea, and heavily changed squad due to transfers and injuries.
However, the side which has the best record in European competitions from Malta remains steadfast in their charge toward defending their title. Much like the top two, a mix of experience and young talent has been the recipe for Vince Galea, with the team looking to secure the record thirteenth title and a consecutive eighth title.
Mgarr United closely follow in fourth on 27 points. Like Swieqi United, although it is a club that got close before, it is yet to clinch the elusive trophy. Similar to the Owls as well, it is only direct encounters that await the side until the end of the league campaign.
Having been among the heaviest investors over the summer, the Greens will be working to make it pay off under the tutelage of Ryan Vella, who has been in charge of the side since the latter part of last season. Indeed, the team has added the signature of Argentinian Luz Hernandez over the Christmas period, who is expected to further bolster the depth for the team as they look to take down their rivals.
Battle For Fourth Not Yet Materialised, But Hierarchy Challenged
The bottom four are some ways off, with a challenge for fourth place never truly materialising thus far since the league changes were imposed before the beginning of last season. However there has been a swing in the bottom four hierarchy thus far, with Julian Camilleri’s San Gwann currently sitting in fifth on thirtheen points, and leading from last year’s dominant side, Valletta (11).
Led by Jean Lopes, Valletta have had their struggles with departures and injuries, with their style of play also pushed to evolve. However, it will be interesting to see the battle develop toward the end of the season and whether a different hierarchy is established this season. Valletta and San Gwann will be embroiled in a direct confrontation this Saturday as they meet in Dingli Ground at 14:00, in another exciting clash this weekend.
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic have struggled with consistency in players and in results in their second season back in the league. However, they have amassed nine points thus far and they have kept up with San Gwann and Valletta. There is still potential to swap places if they can get the best out of their direct encounters following the split. However, they must first brace themselves for a final top four encounter in the league against Hibernians, whom they meet on Friday at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30.
Mtarfa are yet to capture their first points and announced that they parted ways with Gaetano Papaleo over the Christmas break. Staff member Karmelysa Tordo also departed the club. The team returns to the leadership of Simon Spiteri who appeared to have already taken the reigns toward the end of December. He is expected to lead alongside U19 coach Christian Curmi and Brandon Spiteri. It could be that the coaching changes trigger further shifts in players although the club is yet to announce any arrivals or departures.
Last season’s league split was accompanied by a mass change in coaches, followed by a few transfers. Indeed, in comparison it has thus far been a quiet January compared. However, it is still early and there could still be a few movements up sleeves.
Until then, Mtarfa return to action against a Birkirkara side looking to pick up where they left off with a three-match unbeaten streak, including two direct confrontations against Mgarr United and Hibernians. The two sides will conclude matchday fourteen at Dingli Ground with kick-off set at 16:30.
Fixtures for the final phase of the league are yet to be published by the Malta Football Association. It is unclear when the league will resume following this weekend.
*Edit: kick-off time corrected from 20:30.
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