by Swieqi United will take on Mgarr United this evening at 18:00 at the Centenary Stadium, as last year’s league winners battle the cup winners for the Super Cup trophy. Dorianne Theuma and Ryan Vella reflected on the past year as they embark on this final. Neither coach eliminated the possibility of extra-time while discussing the impact of sizeable supporting crowds on proceedings.
The Impact Of A Year
Swieqi United will take on Mgarr United in the first final between two sides who take to the this pitch this evening with a year of growth behind them.
Swieqi United clinched a first Super Cup last year which became a milestone moment for the team after a horrid start. It was a success that they built on by clinching the league title as well.
Dorianne Theuma reflected on the differences between last year’s final and today, “Last year’s final was a turning point for this group. That game helped us believe in our own strength and also earn the respect of our opponents. To have another opportunity to play in a final is a privilege, and we want to make the most of it.”
Meanwhile, Mgarr United were spectators during last year’s final, with the team building from strength to strength in getting results, despite hurdles along the way, to clinch the Assikura Women’s Knockout.
Questioned about the impact of a year to be competing in the final today, Ryan Vella underscored the desire for a winning mentality, “Our main priority when we took over was to change the mentality of the team. Unfortunately in the past we got too ‘comfortable’, accepting being just spectators in games like these. Last season the players stepped up and achieved a second place finish and the Knockout title. So, playing in tomorrow’s final is fully their merit and they deserve it as they worked really hard for it.”
Form Going Into The Final
Swieqi United fell to defeat against the Greens on opening matchday, by 2 – 0. However, the side bounced back with an 8 – 1 victory against San Gwann to set up the path to this final.
“The game against San Gwann had to be a statement from our side, and the players showed up and delivered. Of course, we know we can always improve. For us, it’s about taking every opportunity, playing with intensity and grit. That has to be our DNA, not only in finals but in every single match,” said Dorianne Theuma.
Meanwhile, Mgarr United will head to the match on the back of two victories, seven goals scored and none conceded.
Ryan Vella is elated by that form going into the final, but the Mgarr coach is aware that the final will toss up new challenges from his opposition, “The first two games of the season were really good from our team. However, although we had a really good start both defensively and offensively, we know that every game has its own story and against a team of Swieqi’s calibre we need to be near perfect. Tight moments make a big difference in the result.”
Will It Go The Distance?
The two sides have had close encounters in the past year and a final will add extra elements. Neither coach put a chip on whether it would be decided in the ninety or go the distance, but they gave their view on preparation for the scenarios.
Swieqi’s Dorianne Theuma believes the side has the depth come what may, “We go into the game focused on playing our football, and then we see where it takes us. If it goes to extra time, we are ready for every situation. We are fortunate to have depth in the squad, our bench is strong, and every player is prepared to contribute when needed.”
Her counterpart Ryan Vella was of a similar frame of mind, “In a final, anything is possible so we need to be prepared for all circumstances. I have full faith that the team is in a very good physical condition to play for ninety minutes and more. At the same time we have good players on the bench ready to make an impact if need be.”
Crowds Fuel Us
The Super Cup final was announced very late, on Tuesday. However, both teams have flung out their posts in effort to promote the final. Mgarr United have stood out in their organisation, creating a pre-match gathering for supporters, while also arranging free transport to the stadium. The two coaches were probed about the prospect of a sizeable crowd.
Swieqi United’s coach Dorianne Theuma reiterated her comments following the UEFA Women’s Champions League exploits, that a crowd fuels the teams, “Playing in front of a big crowd, even when they are against you, is something special. Personally, I always thrived in that atmosphere, it gives energy and motivation.”
The Swieqi coach is wary of the numbers attending the match, but hailed the opposition’s efforts in promotion, “I don’t think we will see the same numbers as last year, as promotion this time has been limited, but it’s positive that Mgarr is putting effort into organising.”
Dorianne Theuma finished alluding to the importance of looking at the overall growth of the game to garner support throughout the season, “At the same time, we have to find ways to keep growing this movement. If we don’t, support will fade with time. Having league games played at such late hours doesn’t help. The players deserve to perform in front of bigger crowds and during more respectful times.”
Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella hailed the club’s effort to promote the final, “During this past week, as a club we tried our best to advertise the game and encourage people to come and watch it. Seeing the stands with good number of supporters will give a huge boost to our players and they can push us over the line. I feel like it is each and every clubs’ job to engage with the fans as much as possible to help improve women’s football season after season.”
The two teams will take to the pitch at the Centenary Stadium at 18:00. The match will be live-streamed on Youtube for those unable to make it to the stadium.
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi / Elise Bajada
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