by Swieqi United and Birkirkara will play out another top clash at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15 tonight ahead of a month’s long hiatus. Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma is backing the side to show its growth with an improved performance against the defending champions, to equal their tally at the top. However, Birkirkara’s Vince Galea continues to back his team to show up with the right mentality and dictate terms in search of defending the title.
Positive Displays
Swieqi United and Birkirkara will meet for a final time in the league before month’s hiatus separates them ahead of the Super Cup final to be held on Sunday 8th December at 14:00 at the Centenary Stadium.
The Owls head into the fixture on the back of a 3 – 0 victory against Valletta, where they replicated their first-round score, but settled into a confident lead much earlier in the match.
Swieqi United coach, Dorianne Theuma, remarked the growth in the side between the two matches, “If we had to compare the two games I can see that we were more organised and effective. This is something that we have been working on during the last few games.”
However, the Owls are not yet ready to pat themselves on the back. Dorianne Theuma continued, “We, collectively as a team, still believe we can do better. Thanks to our overall improvement, the team is now creating far more opportunities. However, we still need to sharpen our execution in the final third.”
Birkirkara rose to the top of the table following a 13 – 0 victory against Lija Athletic, with Vince Galea deploying a vastly changed approach. The Birkirkara coach was elated by the dynamics shown by the team to earn the victory, “It was a very good technical and tactical performance on the day. We had worked on some new ideas and the players adapted very well during the game. It was a week where there was a complete transfer from training to the game.”
On the other hand, the Birkirkara coach evaded the question on whether the scoreline had anything to do with the victory lifting the Stripes into first place for the first time as they hunt a thirteenth record title. He said, “The important thing were the three points. Scoring goals gives you confidence but not more than three points. So our focus is to give everything in each game and strive to get the win. The table becomes important only at the end.”
Injury Woes And Taking Opportunities
The two sides will head into the match with their own respective injury lists. Dorianne Theuma confirmed that Jade Flask will continue to be absent for the side for the coming weeks, along with long-term injured players such as Gabrielle Tonna and Andy Zammit Mizzi. Similarly, Birkirkara will continue to fight to defend their title without goalkeeper Janice Xuereb and captain Stephania Farrugia, among other absentees.
While not heavily active in the transfer window, Swieqi United did recruit Sarah Urpani who continues to be a regular in midfield. Miriana Conti has also steadily made appearances in defence.
Questioned about the latter’s versatility and decision to deploy her in the position, Dorianne Theuma replied, “Miriana joined the team at the end of pre-season. She has worked incredibly hard to get fit and integrate with the squad. Her commitment and work ethic are commendable, and I’m pleased with the progress she’s making. While her versatility is a valuable asset, I believe her current focus will be primarily in defense. Her contributions along the back line are crucial at this stage, and she has shown she can excel in that position.”
Meanwhile, Vince Galea has continued to rotate the side, striking a balance between experienced and younger players, with several youngsters consecutively earning minutes in the senior’s league.
Questioned about this balancing act, Birkirkara’s coach appears to be happy with the collective unit, “We have to rotate and make sure that all players are ready to play every game and under any circumstances. Our squad is not too large, however some young players are pushing to get opportunities which we are happy and brave to allow it.”
Match Expectations
The first round fixture ended in a strong win for the defending champions, downing Swieqi United by 4 – 1. However, the Owls have improved their results since, earning points against top-four opposition and head to tonight’s match knowing that a victory would see them equal Birkirkara’s points tally.
The Stripes heavily controlled the midfield in the opening round, but Dorianne Theuma is backing her team to have a better overall stronghold this time round, “As mentioned in previous interviews, the beginning of the season presented challenges that were less than ideal. We faced injuries and other situations beyond our control. During our last encounter, not only our midfield, but the overall team dynamics were not functioning correctly. However, over the past two months, we’ve made significant strides and believe we’re now in a stronger position to improve performance since the last time we faced them.”
Questioned about the extra relevance of three points to equal Birkirkara’s tally, enjoying fresher youths with the U19 team having been on break this week and eyeing a month long hiatus, Dorianne Theuma motivated her side to put their best foot forward.
She said, “As with any game, our mentality is to play to win. We are fully aware that we’re up against the champions and we’re keeping our feet firmly on the ground. Our focus is on building momentum from our recent games and putting into practice everything we’ve been working on in training.”
Considering Swieqi United’s improved trajectory since the opening round match, Birkirkara’s Vince Galea was probed on whether he believes a changed approach might be needed to destabilise Swieqi United. The Birkirkara coach appears to be backing his system, denying drastic changes as those observed against Lija Athletic, “No, I do not think we should change a lot. Swieqi are progressing very well and this will be a new fresh game. However, we always prepare to control the game. Hopefully the players perform to their best levels on the day.”
The Birkirkara coach continues to put the brakes on thoughts of lifting trophies, “It will be great to get the win. However our aim should be the game, our performance and how we should get the best of it. The rest is only a consequence of this.”
The two teams will kick off the tenth Assikura Women’s League weekend, ahead of a month long break as international duties take hold of women’s football in Malta. The match will be played at the Centenary Stadium, starting at 20:15.
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi (Swieqi United)
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