by Mgarr United and Swieqi United will conclude an afternoon of top of the table football at Dingli Ground, with the match starting at 16:30. The two coaches, Ryan Vella and Dorianne Theuma gave their thoughts on being a part of a four-horse race for the title in the women’s game, while assessing meeting one another twice in ten days.
A Close Affair
The two teams will be meeting for the second time in the span of ten days, with the previous encounter resulting in a win for Mgarr following an injury time penalty.
Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella hailed the performance from his team, “We knew it was going to be tough, and I thought we limited Swieqi to very few goal scoring opportunities especially from open play. I was really pleased with our overall performance especially our defensive shape. I thought that the players showed great character and attitude to keep pushing for the winner especially after Swieqi had a player sent off.”
Noting the importance of the squad in a crucial match, he finished, “It was a game where we had a lot of key players missing, but once again, the players that started the game stepped up really well for a game which for us was do or die against the league leaders.”
Swieqi United had their chances, hitting the crossbar as well in the match, but ultimately fell to defeat as things unraveled for the side in the latter stages.Counterpart Dorianne Theuma was questioned on the teachings of the match and whether in a sense it is better to learn these lessons before the final phase.
The Swieqi coach gave her view in stock of the side’s trajectory in the past weeks, “The defeat came after ten positive results, where we conceded only one goal from a penalty. Naturally, in an ideal world, we would have preferred to win. However, I genuinely believe we are continuously growing and learning as a team, and this loss will only contribute to that process.”
Focusing on the details of the match itself, Dorianne Theuma continued, “Having said that, we did lose the game with a penalty in the 92nd minute, hit the post twice, and had a clear penalty in the first half. But that’s football—when you don’t capitalise on your chances, they often come back to haunt you. We must learn to manage these situations better, control our emotions, and take valuable lessons from games like this. Considering how we started the season, I’m proud of the amazing job the girls have done so far.”
On Being Part Of A Four-Horse Race
The two coaches are leading the teams in a four-horse race that is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the women’s game. Both new in their role as coaches, the two were questioned on their thoughts of the race so far and whether they feel they also get to enjoy being a part of it with their players.
Ryan Vella replied, “In my opinion this title race shows the strength in the setups of the top four teams. All clubs invested a lot and built great setups to push their teams to new heights and this shows in the current league table. During the past years there were always one or two teams who opened a gap in the first two positions – but this season all teams seem to be very balanced. Obviously from now on anything can happen, but surely we’re very looking forward for the tough challenges ahead.”
Dorianne Theuma knows a thing or two about titles in the women’s game as a player, but looking at this season from the perspective of a coach, she said, “I can’t recall a season as interesting as this one, and I’m happy that our team is part of it. It takes a lot of dedication and commitment from all stakeholders to perform consistently at this level. Considering that we probably weren’t seen as serious contenders at the start of the season, the players are doing an exceptional job, and we’re making the most of the opportunities we have.”
Are New Tricks Needed Or Is It A Case Of Holding Nerve?
Swieqi United will take to the pitch without Tammy Falzon, who will be serving her suspension. Meanwhile, the Greens took to the pitch without a few key players, including captain Brenda Borg, last week.
Ryan Vella confirmed the side are expected to see some returning faces in the match, “Yes we’re positive that we can have a couple of players back for the encounter. Obviously last week we had to adapt to different circumstances and issues than this week.”
However, there were no reveals on whether the side is ready to deploy some new approaches to try to get the better of the Owls for the second time this season, “Like always – we’ll try to prepare to the best of our abilities for whatever might happen in game.”
On the other hand, Dorianne Theuma believes it is a matter for her side to put things together, “As I mentioned previously, after analysing the (last) game, we had moments where we played good football. However, with a little more composure and experience, we could have handled certain situations better, particularly in the last ten minutes. We’re growing from these mistakes, and while it wasn’t one of our best performances, we’re focused on improving and building on last week game.”
The two sides will initiate their encounter at 16:30 at Dingli Ground, following the top of the table clash between Hibernians and Birkirkara (14:00).
Lead Images: Elise Bajada / Lara Schembri
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[…] at 14:00 at Dingli Ground. It will be followed by the encounter between third and fourth placed, Mgarr United and Swieqi United, at […]