Swieqi Aiming To Finish Round Strongly As Valletta Look to Build Momentum

Swieqi United look to end the third round on a high against Valletta at the Charles Abela Stadium (18:00). Dorianne Theuma stressed the importance of character, hard work, and respect for the opposition, while Anton Cremona backed his side’s growing belief and improved transition play to pose a challenge at the Charles Abela Stadium.

Glass Half Empty Or Glass Half Full

Swieqi United will be looking to conclude the third round on a positive note against a Valletta side that will be equally hoping to push on. The two sides head into it following draws in direct confrontations against Hibernians and San Gwann, respectively.

Swieqi United did not have the better share of opportunities in that match, but Dorianne Theuma rejected that the team was lucky to take the point, “⁠We earned the point through hard work and commitment. Even if the performance wasn’t perfect, the players worked really hard in the second half and showed real character, and that’s why we came away with the draw.”

The Owls went into the match missing some key individuals. Andjela Kricak rose to the occasion, along a hardworking midfield, with Sarah Urpani and Ema Micallef also combining to secure the goal for the equaliser.

Questioned on the team’s performance and growth in view of missing key leaders in the match, including their captain Shona Zammit who remains sidelined, while Tammy Falzon was also suspended and Emma Xuereb is only nursing back from injury, Dorianne Theuma remarked, “⁠Let’s not forget Raffany (Mendoza Abache) as well, who is one of our leaders and was also greatly missed.”

The Swieqi coach continued by praising the commitment of those involved, “I am very happy with Andjela’s growth, it shows how mature and professional she is as a player. Last year she didn’t get much playing time, but she kept working extremely hard, and now that effort is paying off. Her attitude should be an example to many players. Sarah Urpani and Ema Micallef, like the rest of our midfielders, are pushing themselves and giving their best, fully aware that this season has been a challenge for us. They have the character and attitude that every coach wants to see in a team.”

Anton Cremona’s side came back twice against San Gwann, with a late double confirming the draw last week. Questioned about whether it was a performance that showcased the team’s strengthening, the Valletta coach replied, “I believe that players felt that this was a game that they could win. However, as we’ve seen in other matches, a lapse in concentration for five seconds results in a conceded goal. We prepared well to defend against Morena Fanega who we know has a great shot, much in the same way we prepared in the U21 league. However, we gave her some space at she rose to the occasion again.”

He continued, “We improved things after the break and kept on believing that we could get something, and we did.”

The Valletta coach weighed in on the goalkeeping situation with Melissa Galea having to come into the match at half time, “Dorienne (Grech) was injured and Gabriella Grima couldn’t play the whole match. Gabriella had a good match I think, especially considering that she’s lacking match practice.”

Will It Be Different?

Valletta have found the going tough against the top teams, but the two coaches were probed on whether Valletta’s strengthening in counter-attacks, against the leakier defence for the Owls, could have an effect on the score.

Dorianne Theuma underscored the importance of treating each match on its own merit in achieving the desired result, “We take every match very seriously and always respect our opponents. We need to be more tactically disciplined, and every individual must work hard, especially out of possession. We know our strengths, but we have to show them every single day.”

Anton Cremona is backing his team to show their improvement in transition once more, “I think we have improved in our approach to the match and we are believing in ourselves more. We changed our system to fit to the players we have. Having said this, Swieqi is a strong team and it will be a difficult one for us, but we must put our best foot forward.”

The two teams will conclude the third round this evening at the Charles Abela Stadium, with kick-off set at 18:00.

Lead Image: Francesca Vella

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