by Swieqi United and Hibernians will be battling it out at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30 this evening. Dorianne Theuma & Martina Borg discussed the impact of injuries and suspensions as the two teams aim for victory in search of keeping their noses in front in the table and closest to frontrunners Mgarr United.
The Flavour Of Victory
Swieqi United and Hibernians will be taking to the pitch in search of finding a way to break through and maintain their winning start to the year.
Dorianne Theuma weighed in on a victory against Birkirkara, in a match where the team faced plenty of charge from the Stripes, but still came away with a win and a clean sheet.
The Swieqi United coach rejected that a win is all that matters at this stage of the season, “The result is important, but we are not satisfied. We know we can do much more. Compared to the previous match we improved, but improvement alone is not enough. We have higher standards and we cannot settle for performances that are below our potential.”
On other hand, Martina Borg’s team had to overcome an early goal conceded against Valletta. However, the team ultimately walked away with a strong margin of victory, “I think the early goal conceded shook us a bit, but as the match progress the girls showed their maturity and ultimately put on a good display of football. I think it showed the work done on the training pitch. The win was important to gain confidence back into the team after a tough start to the year.”
Suspensions & Injuries
The Swieqi United team has been the side that has racked up the most yellow cards this season thus far. This compounds a long series of longer-term injuries which the team is facing.
Tonight the team will be without Tammy Falzon, who will be the second player to have to sit out a match for the team after picking up a fourth yellow card after Shona Zammit.
Dorianne Theuma negated that the yellow cards are a reflection of an aggressive stance that the team is seeking in their matches, “I don’t think the number of yellow cards truly reflects our style. We ask the players to be competitive, aggressive in the right way, and to show personality on the pitch. However, if you look closely at some of the bookings we’ve received this season, I believe we’ve been punished on occasions where the fouls did not necessarily deserve a yellow card.”
On the other hand, Hibernians walk into the match with eleven yellow cards, though scattered among players. The team has also had one of the better trajectories in maintaining players fit.
Martina Borg admitted the importance of a deep squad in navigating the calendar, “I think the depth in our squad means that our longer injuries aren’t as visible. We had a long term injury for Laura (Muscat) and currently are nursing Sarah Vella Barberi to come back. Thankfully, other than that we’ve managed minor injuries on a week to week basis. I believe our physical trainer and physiotherapists are doing a great job which is a plus for us and of course the depth in the squad always helps to keep things running smoothly.”
A Win To Satisfy The Hunt
The two teams will walk into it knowing that nothing separated them last time out, in a goalless match that enabled Mgarr United to extend their lead up front. Knowing the impact of another draw tonight will continue shortening the window for Mgarr United to confirm a maiden title early, the two were questioned on whether the stakes make it more likely for an open match in search for victory, despite the injuries and suspensions.
Dorianne Theuma was clear that the team is hitting the pitch with one aim, “We have been dealing with injuries more than anyone, but that is not an excuse. I trust this group completely. No matter who is available, our mentality does not change. We will always play to win.”
Her counterpart, Martina Borg, praised the Swieqi United side and their leader, while admitting the importance of a victory for both teams tonight. “A draw tonight doesn’t benefit either of us. As usual we prepare our best and in these matches what counts is who is on their game on the day. I have a lot of respect toward coach Dorianne, I am well aware how meticulous she is in preparing her team for matches. So, I expect a good match this evening and a good tactical battle. I think the team who wants the win the most is the one who will walk away with the points.”
The coaches have had their say and the two teams will take to the pitch at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30.
Lead Image: Francesca Vella
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