Swieqi & Birkirkara Ready To Lay It On The Line As Title Race Comes To A Head

Swieqi United & Birkirkara will meet at 14:00 with a potential title decider on their hands. Dorianne Theuma & Vince Galea gave their takes on the makings of this title race as they eye victories this afternoon, knowing well that a point for Swieqi United will be enough to wrap up the title race, while a victory for Birkirkara blows it wide open for the final match-day.

Narrow But Crucial Victories To Set Up This Afternoon

Swieqi United & Birkirkara will be raring to go as soon as the whistle blows this afternoon, each with their own set of instructions to dispose of the other. Swieqi United need just one point to secure their maiden league title, but defending champions Birkirkara have dominated the women’s game for years and will not relinquish so easily.

Swieqi United head into the match with a five point lead after they secured a narrow 1 – 0 victory against Mgarr United last weekend. Dorianne Theuma was asked whether she was happy by the effectiveness of the performance, considering the contrasts to the previous encounter against the Greens where the side dominated but came away with nothing.

She replied, “⁠I’m pleased with the team’s performance. We knew it would be a tough game, especially given the stakes, but we stayed focused on the task at hand and secured the three points, which is the most important thing at this stage.”

The two made further strides last week, with Birkirkara downing Hibernians by 1 – 0 to secure a second win on the trot and lift themselves to second place, simultaneously ensuring that their title defence, and charge for the record thirteenth title stays alive.

Coach Vince Galea was elated by the mentality and attitude of the team, “Yes (I was) very happy, the way my players approached the match, the difficulties we had, the way we reacted and adjusted during the game. There were lots of positives. It was not the best game we played from a technical level, but the players played with so much confidence and focus.”

Betting On The Whole Squad Throughout

Despite the undeniable pressures of the most tightly fought league battle, the two coaches have been staunch in their decisions to mix up the squad on the pitch between experienced and younger players. Both sides have endured some heavy defeats (incidentally including against each other) and some big wins too throughout.

The two coaches gave their insight on the relevance of being able to take that risk and whether they believe it gives them and the squad confidence as they head into this final throes.

Dorianne Theuma weighed in, “Every young player in our starting eleven played regular senior football since the beginning of the season. Gaining experience in crucial encounters is important, and thankfully, their past experience gives me full confidence that they will step up for the team, just as they have many times this season.”

Vince Galea said, “We only got beaten once with a margin of more than one goal, I believe we were always very competitive. I believe we have a good balance in the team with very experienced players that on a daily basis in training guide the youngsters and support our decisions. There is so much energy in the team that we do not think of our team in age terms but rather instilling confidence day-in-day-out in our players to perform to the best of their abilities.”

Tactical Decisions & Mental Fortitude

It will be the sixth meet of the season for these two. Birkirkara had a strong upper hand in the opening meet of the season, before which Swieqi United won the next two league encounters. The Owls lifted the Super Cup in December against the Stripes. However, the two had to settle for a draw in the last encounter.

The two teams have been the frontrunners in the women’s game in recent years. This title race has without a doubt has been the most exhilarating for anyone following the women’s league in Malta, with four-teams, all of whom could still be in the hunt should curtains not fall in the match this afternoon.

Like last year, the title could be decided in the penultimate match which coincidentally also was the encounter between Birkirkara and Swieqi United last year. However, the leads are reversed this time.

Considering that a draw is enough for the Owls tosses up various potential game-plans and mind-games. The two coaches were probed on their approach for the match on whether they are keen on sitting back and attacking on the counter, or whether they would rather try to suffocate their opponent.

Dorianne Theuma paid tribute to the strength of Birkirkara, “We always knew Birkirkara would be in the title race until the very last game. Every team faces challenges, but it’s how you respond that matters. They’ve been defending champions for the past years for a reason.”

However, the Swieqi United coach is headstrong on a victory this afternoon, “Our journey hasn’t been easy either, and as a team, we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved this season. Playing for a draw is like starting the game with minus-two points, and that’s not an option against a team with their winning mentality. Our approach is always to play for the win and that won’t change. So far, sticking to our game plan has paid off and we have no reason to do otherwise.”

Vince Galea commented, “We will face this game like we did in the past weeks, with a lot of energy, confidence and determination. There will be moments to suffer and there will be moments to take advantage of. The gap is still significant, so we do not feel any pressure facing Swieqi. We aim to control the game and be quick in offensive charge.”

Nothing But Respect

As tensions escalate and loyal supporters are expected to make their way to Dingli Ground this afternoon, the two coaches rallied support but utmost respect for all involved.

Dorianne Theuma replied, “⁠Support is always appreciated and gives our team that extra push. There will always be heated moments during the game, but despite our rivalry, there has always been mutual respect and that won’t change. We should cherish these moments and feel privileged to play in matches that carry such significance.”

Vince Galea was unanimous, “We will cross swords on the pitch but always with respect to our opponents. This was a hard-fought league. All teams offered and showed strengths, having their own reasons to win this league and we respect that so much. Supporters are to give their push to their team in a positive way.”

History is there for the making for both sides, as has been all season. One thing’s for sure, this is not a match to be missed. The whistle blows at 14:00 at Dingli Ground.

Should Birkirkara win the match, Hibernians and Mgarr United will be ready nudge themselves right back into the mix to send the league chase until the final matchday. The match between the two will follow the encounter between Swieqi United & Birkirkara at 16:30.

Lead Image: Elise Bajada

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