by Swieqi United and Lija Athletic will initiate a Super Friday in the women’s game at 14:00 at Dingli Ground, in an afternoon where all teams will be in action. Dorianne Theuma suggested the team is focused for a good performance against a boosted Lija, while Jethron Azzopardi praised Swieqi’s football but will push his team to fight for a good performance despite absences.
Morale Boosts
Swieqi United and Lija Athletic will head into this one with a spring in their step. The Owls have added a second trophy to their cabinet following Sunday’s Super Cup victory against Birkirkara, while Lija Athletic returned to league action with a strong victory against Mtarfa.
Swieqi United’s coach, Dorianne Theuma, suggested the team did not dawdle too much on celebrations, with eyes focused on preparing for upcoming busy period prior to the Christmas break, “Winning the Super Cup hasn’t affected our preparations. We returned to full training the very next day. December is a crucial month for us, with six games (including the U19s) in just 14 days—essentially a match every 48 hours. This requires everyone to stay fully focused and ready.”
Indeed the U19 team managed a 2-1 victory against closest rivals Valletta on Tuesday, to earn a five-point lead at the top, with a game in hand. Dorianne Theuma spoke of the efforts from the entire squad and coaching units to pull together to navigate the congestion, “Together with winning, one of our main priorities is safeguarding the players’ well-being, which can only be achieved with complete concentration and commitment from the entire team.”
On the other hand, Lija Athletic had a positive return to commitments as well with a 5-1 win over Mtarfa, following a tough end before the break. Jethron Azzopardi was buoyed by the implementation of a different tactical approach by his team, “We changed the setup and how to play, showing some good football for most of the game. The team followed the game plan and the result shows it.”
Injury Updates
As the season gets into the thicker end, the two coaches confirmed the teams picked up fresh injuries in recent weeks.
Swieqi United’s Ema Micallef did not finish the Super Cup final. Asked about her condition, Dorianne Theuma hailed the youngster’s commitment to good performances and getting back onto the pitch, “Despite being just seventeen, Ema Micallef gave everything she had on the pitch on Sunday. She’s a strong and determined player and is recovering well under the guidance of our medical team’s recommendations.”
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic took to the pitch with a changed line-up against Mtarfa, with usual starter Edera Marmara’ and captain Rachel Mifsud missing from the team, as well as absences from Mariah Schembri, Samira Bouzid and Katryna Grech.
Jethron Azzopardi’s response about the absences was a mixed bag, “Edera and Rachel have a delicate injury. Mariah, Katryna and Samira have been busy with other commitments.”
Plenty Of Respect But Swieqi Looking To Pile Pressure
The two sides will kickoff at 14:00 at Dingli Ground. Dorianne Theuma gave no insight on how much rotation one should expect in the team, but is not taking the opposition lightly, “Lija are coming off a convincing win, their morale is high, and we’re well aware of their individual players who can make a real difference in their team. We know we need to stay fully focused to secure the three points.”
A victory for the side will ensure that they keep up the pressure on Hibernians and Birkirkara, who will meet later in the afternoon. The teams will also wait for the outcome between Mgarr United who are separated from Swieqi & Birkirkara by just one point. With the top four tightly knit, it is a weekend that will continue to unravel the Assikura Women’s League season as the second round of fixtures ramps up towards its final stint before the split is enacted in the new year.
Jethron Azzopardi reiterated his praise of Swieqi United’s football, “As stated in the first round, I saw the best football played from Swieqi.” The Lija Athletic coach confirmed the team continues to battle injuries, but is determined to keep putting their best foot forward despite circumstances, “In our last match we lost another valuable player, but we will try to give our best.”
The two teams will initiate today’s packed Friday as all teams in the Assikura Women’s League will be in action in the afternoon. Swieqi United and Lija Athletic will initiate the double-header at Dingli Ground, starting at 14:00, to be followed by the top-of-the-table clash between Hibernians and Birkirkara (16:30).
Charles Abela Stadium will host another double-header, as Mtarfa take on Valletta starting at 15:00, before Mgarr United face San Gwann (17:30).
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi (Swieqi United)
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[…] Swieqi United and Lija Athletic will be embroiled in their own battle at Dingli Ground, starting at 14:00, before the top of the […]
[…] battle is set to start at 16:30 at Dingli Ground, following the encounter between Swieqi United and Lija Athletic (14:00). Charles Abela Stadium will host the double-fixture as Mtarfa take on Valletta at 15:00, […]