by San Gwann and Mtarfa will be restarting their campaign following the international break at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30. San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri hailed the impact of captain Annabelle Rapa on his side amid the milestone of 200 league appearances, while Gaetano Papaleo reflected on the impact of players committing to both football and futsal. The two coaches gave their insight on seeing young players called up at youth national team level while eyeing tonight’s restart.
Milestones & Improvements
Both sides head into this restart eyeing improved showings after both were on the end of defeats before the international break.
San Gwann faired better against Birkirkara this time round, reducing their margin in defeat, which Julian Camilleri assessed, “It was not such a bad match, we’ve had more negative performances. However, I believe we could have avoided certain goals. Birkirkara will punish you when you make mistakes, and certain goals we conceded with silly mistakes.”
On the other hand, the match against Birkirkara marked Annabelle Rapa’s 200th appearance in the domestic league. Questioned about the input of the captain within such a young squad, Julian Camilleri heaped praise on the veteran, “Annabelle is one of those players that I feel secure with that she’s in the squad.”
The San Gwann coach reflected on the importance of her leadership in and out of matchdays, “Firstly, she is a player that will give me more than her one-hundred percent wherever I require her. In training she helps us to keep the intensity high, the sessions fun and is a true leader for the squad. Every coach should feel secure and proud to have a player like her in his team, let alone for her to be the captain of the side.”
Meanwhile, Mtarfa struggled to keep Mgarr United at bay but also had an improved scoreline against the Greens in wet conditions. Gaetano Papaleo dismissed worries about the team’s position at the bottom of the table, “We all know that there are different structures in this league. We face it with awareness and serenity.”
Assessing The International Break
Although the two sides did not have players called up to the senior national team squad, both featured selections in the U19 and U17 training camps.
San Gwann’s Thais Muscat, Geona Muscat and Martina Vassallo were called up at U17 level, Fatma Al Girbi and Nilayza Attard made the U19 selection. Julian Camilleri beamed, “As a club we’re proud to see some of our players make it into these selection. We prefer that they are training with us, but we believe that these are positive experiences and I am certain that on their return they find their feet back with us quickly.”
Likewise, Mtarfa had two call ups with the U19 youth team, for Paula Ciappara and Estelle Borg. Papaleo was questioned about the motivation such call-ups instil in the face of the tough defeats in the Assikura Women’s League against more experienced players. He replied, “Young people are the future and it’s right that they gain experience by facing more experienced teams and players. This will help them to improve.”
Meanwhile, Gaetano Papaleo also coaches the Zero Sei futsal team which features a number of the senior players donning the football shirt of Mtarfa. The team has kicked off their campaign with two straight victories.
Questioned about the overlaps and its impact on the morale of the team, Papaleo replied, “In futsal I brought players who always train with me. Playing sport is a privilege and a fortune. It’s right that the girls honour another league. There is no reason to stop them from doing this. No one here will be remembered as the female Cristiano Ronaldo and no team will be remembered as Real Madrid. The girls must have fun in all competitions.”
Match Expectations
The two sides will head into tonight’s match with fresh ambitions. San Gwann are embroiled in a battle for fifth, with one point adrift from Valletta. Questioned about the importance of three points Julian Camilleri replied, “Our aim is to have a second round that is stronger than the first. So we must go into the pitch with a winning mentality and put our best foot forward to improve the goal difference.”
Mtarfa’s Gaetano Papaleo heaped praise on his opponents once more, recognising the strides made by the Yellows, but remaining nonchalant in his team’s efforts. “San Gwann have improved a lot. It is a team with quality players. As always we will try to do our best.”
The two teams will play their match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, under the floodlights starting at 20:30. League leaders Hibernians will be meeting Mgarr United at Mgarr Ground at the same time.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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[…] welcome Hibernians at their home ground with the referee’s whistle first sounding at 20:30. San Gwann will be meeting with Mtarfa at the same time at the Victor Tedesco […]