by Swieqi United will be welcoming Hibernians for the final Assikura Women’s League match at the Centenary Stadium at 14:00. Dorianne Theuma underscored the commitment of the entire team in securing the title, who look to pull together another strong performance. Kenneth Costantino is pushing his side for a return to form to clinch third place and prepare for the Knockout, while hinting at an exit.
Sealing Titles & Pushing Back
Swieqi United & Hibernians will finish the league campaign in confrontation, just as they started this season. The Owls head into the fixture knowing that the trophy awaits them, having secured a 3 – 0 victory against Birkirkara last week to clinch their maiden league title.
Dorianne Theuma reflected on the progress made by the side throughout the campaign when asked to weigh the achievement against the disappointment of last season.
She said, “Consistency and perseverance defined this team. Like any other side, we faced challenges, but the players never stopped working hard. Preseason was tough, and uncertainty around players and transfers stretched into the first round. Still, we focused on steady progress, even if it meant one small step forward. Securing a top-four spot after Christmas and winning the Super Cup were a turning point.”
Reflecting on the mental growth of the team in the face of tough periods, the Swieqi coach admitted, “I was concerned about the pressure, especially with the youngest squad among the top four, but they rose to the occasion. This season’s format was mentally demanding, with frequent direct encounters testing our resilience. Despite setbacks, we always bounced back, showcasing the strength, character, and determination of every player.”
On the other hand, Hibernians finished their final league encounter against Mgarr United in a 3 – 1 defeat, keeping the Greens a team that the Paolites have struggled to overcome this year thus far.
Kenneth Costantino saw the positives in an improved response within the match as opposed to the previous encounter against Birkirkara, while crediting the strengths of Mgarr. He said, “Yes against Mgarr we played much better. We made three mistakes which they capitalised on, but at the end the individual quality or form made the difference.”
Expectations As Title Secure But Hibs Seek Third
As noted above, Swieqi United know that first place is theirs, but they will face a side that has something to fight for as the Paolites could grab third with a victory this afternoon.
Swieqi United’s coach Dorianne Theuma was probed about the squad selection. The match opens space for rotations, but those regularly on the pitch would likely want to play the match that defines the crowning moment.
The Swieqi coach remained consistent in the mantra of the squad above the individual, “The entire squad has put in the hours and commitment equally throughout the season, training hard, and this moment should be enjoyed by everyone. Our youth players are the backbone of this team, without them, the senior squad would struggle. I’m incredibly proud of their effort, especially in securing the U19 title once again. As always, we will play our fittest eleven available with only one goal in mind, to win.”
Coming up against them will be a Hibernians’ side that is seeking to get back on track. While the Assikura Women’s League campaign wraps up this afternoon, there is a third cup on the loom, the Assikura Women’s Knockout. Having bagged two trophies already, Swieqi United are the team with momentum.
Questioned about the importance of a victory to chip away at the Owls’ confidence, Kenneth Costantino’s response hinted at changes in the future, “We concentrate on our own performance. Trying to help the girls improve individually and as a team. My wish is to leave the girls in a better place then when I started.”
Considering the final piece of silverware available this season, the veteran coach underlined the need for a return to strong mentality and form in his side, “As for the Knockout, we will need to regain our confidence and determination which characterised our team in the first fifteen games.”
The two teams will take to the pitch at the Centenary Stadium at 14:00. In the Bottom Four, Mtarfa will be taking on Lija Athletic at the same time at Dingli Ground, to be followed by Valletta against San Gwann (16:30). The results of the two Bottom Four matches will define second and third place for Lija Athletic and Valletta.
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi (Swieqi United)
Make sure to never miss an Assikura Women’s League match by syncing your calendar here.
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
