by Swieqi United and Hibernians will be initiating proceedings at Dingli Ground this afternoon at 14:00. Dorianne Theuma and Kenneth Costantino gave their views on their teams stepping up toward hitting their objectives while eyeing another tight battle at the top of the table this afternoon.
Four Points
Both teams have started off the final phase on good terms, taking four points out of an available six, and heading into this match at the right side of the table by holding the first two places.
Swieqi United had a successful second half against Birkirkara, securing all three points, with a late header confirming the 2-1 victory. Questioned about the character and euphoria of such a late win, coach Dorianne Theuma praised the attitude from her side, “The win against Birkirkara was an important one at this stage of the league. Our opponents put up a strong challenge and I’m pleased with how the team responded to being 1-0 down at halftime—showing belief, resilience, and the determination to turn the game around until the very end.”
Meanwhile, Hibernians had to settle for a 1 – 1 draw against Mgarr United. Questioned on whether he believes it was a fair result between the two teams, Kenneth Costantino felt his team could have gotten more, “I have had the opportunity to watch our game once again. Overall, I believe we had more possession and goalscoring opportunities. We hit the cross bar through Kayleigh (Chetcuti) and had Nicole’s (Sciberras) goal disallowed for a reason that is still unclear to me.”
The Sum Of The Individuals
Swieqi United have made late headway in the transfer window, securing the signature of Ylenia Azzopardi from Lija Athletic. Questioned about the decision to bring the youngster and what she envisions for her contributions for the team, Dorianne Theuma replied, “Ylenia will play an important role with the youth squad while also adding depth to our senior team. It’s only natural that she will need some time to adapt to our style of play. Unfortunately, she has faced some lengthy injuries that kept her out for a while. However, having coached Ylenia in the past, I know she has the right attitude and mentality. I have no doubt that she will fully focus on the team and contribute to the best of her abilities.”
Meanwhile, Hibernians have bolstered their own squad, with the additions already finding their feet with the team in this final phase. In the meantime, the Paolites’ coach was questioned on the reliance on Alexis Espitia and Joelma Alves Gabriel as focal points in their attack (having amassed 31 goals among them) and whether he wishes to increase the goalscoring input of other players.
Hibernians’ coach weighed in, “Every team has a leading goalscorer or two. It’s quite normal and I wouldn’t expect it to be different. I look at the points and goal difference other than who scores the goals. At this stage these statistics are more important than who scores the goals. Of course I expect all the players to step up when needed and help the team.”
The Tight Race Expected To Continue
The two teams head into this afternoon’s match just two points apart. Swieqi United are yet to win a match against Hibernians this season, having succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the opening match of the season, while the two sides could not be separated the second time out.
Dorianne Theuma was questioned whether she believes her team can put the growth they’ve amassed throughout the season to achieve their first win against the Paolites this year and in doing so pip them to first place.
The Swieqi coach backed her team’s growth but is expecting a tough match nonetheless. She said, “Our first game of the season was against Hibernians, fully aware that were still in the process of settling as a team. This was evident in our second encounter, which ended in a draw after a well-contested match.”
Speaking of this afternoon’s encounter, she continued, “Hibernians definitely strengthened their squad during January and have been the most consistent team throughout the first phase of the league. We know we are facing a well-organised side with the hunger and ability to put up a very tough fight.”
Similarly, Kenneth Costantino was probed on whether he believes his side can handle the pressure at this stage of the season, knowing that Swieqi United are breathing down their necks for the first place position.
However, Costantino rejected that his team is the only one in the boat, acknowledging that there are still plenty of direct confrontations to go. He said, “At this stage of the league every win becomes more important. Of course, there are still twenty-one direct encounters to go, so things can change pretty much. Pressure is on every team competing for top place and all teams are really giving their all.”
The two teams will kick-off at 14:00 at Dingli Ground, with the match to be followed by the other direct confrontation between Birkirkara and Mgarr United at 16:30. The latter two will be battling it out to distinguish themselves among them and close the gap to Hibernians & Swieqi United.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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