The Knockout Final: Hibernians Seek First Trophy Since Return As Birkirkara Eye Treble

Hibernians and Birkirkara will battle it out for the chance to secure the final trophy of the season at the Centenary Stadium at 18:00. The final brings together the giants in Malta’s women’s football in a Knockout final for the first time since the 2013/14 season. Coaches Kenneth Costantino & Jose Borg suggest that they have prepared their teams to go the distance. The two weighed in on the clubs’ joint promotion of the match which was marred by disagreements over a change in the fixture time.

Disagreement Over Fixture Time Change

The two giants in women’s football in Malta will meet for the first time in the Assikura Women’s Knockout final since 2013/14 season. Hibernians earned themselves back-to-back finals after dispatching Swieqi United with a goal in extra-time, while Birkirkara got themselves through also following a 1-0 victory over Valletta.

The two media departments appeared to be putting up a commendable joint effort to promote the match in the lead up to the fixtures, in the name of promoting the women’s game. However, things took a turn on Thursday afternoon as the rumours over Hibernians’ request to push back the kick-off by a hour came to a head.

Having failed to have their request met behind closed doors, the Paolites published a statement asking the Malta Football Association & Birkirkara FC to endorse the kick-off change, citing the need due to players having examinations finishing at the stipulated kick-off time.

The Malta Football Association (MFA) published a statement that it would change the fixture depending on the two clubs reaching agreement.

In response to both statements, Birkirkara refused Hibernians’ request on the view that the club came with it at the eleventh hour, while listing what they viewed to be ample time that the Paolites had to flag the kick-off time in the lead-up to the final. As to the Malta Football Association’s stance, Birkirkara cited their four requests had been turned down in the past, including a similar request for a match in the Assikura Women’s League against the same Hibernians. The full statement may be read here.

As a result tonight’s final will proceed with the original kick-off at 18:00. Noting that variations of such requests have occurred in the past, the two coaches were probed about each party’s justification of the situation and their thoughts on how such instances could be avoided in the future.

Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino replied, “I’d rather keep most of my thoughts to myself, but I can only add: Was an hour going to break anyone’s back? Definitely not. It would have allowed two young players the possibility to live a dream which they had rightfully earned on the pitch.”

He continued, “The biggest responsibility should however be shouldered by the fixtures department at the MFA. All clubs have recently been hit by shortsightedness and lack of sensitivity when fixtures were prepared. We had all asked that fixtures date and time should be issued at the start of the season so players and technical staff can organise themselves. With regards to the Knockout the same issue occurred last year for the same exam, on the same day and the fixture was changed.”

Meanwhile, the response from Birkirkara’s Jose’ Borg was, “Yes, it’s true that the clubs tried to promote together, which was a bit marred by this clash. I don’t want to go into the merit of the case, it’s not up to me to decide. My team and I are always ready to play at any time the Football Association tells us to play. Our issue is to try to get ready mentally, physically and tactically for the game, to go out and earn what we have been working and training for throughout the season.”

On the other hand, Borg appeared to find the bright side in the situation, “As they say, everyone knows about this game, because even a bad advertisement in a sense is good advertisement. So, if a few did not know about this game, then certainly this clash will have attracted eyes to it and got people talking about it. Hopefully more people come to the game.”

Neither coach was willing to go into the discussion of how such instances could be avoided in the future.

The Show Must Go On

While the two teams may not both be happy with the fixture time, both are certainly happy to be playing the final. Kenneth Costantino expressed the joy in achieving back-to-back finals following a tough path, “I think we deserved to be in the final. So I am obviously very happy for the team. We were drafted the hardest draw possible. Nevertheless we are here and I’m sure the girls will leave every ounce of energy on the pitch. A final is always a final.”

Jose’ Borg’s side created plenty against Valletta, but were also narrow in their escape from an exit at the semi-final. Reflecting on the match, Borg said, “The game was a positive one. Although the result did not show it, we created a lot of opportunities, hit the post and had chances denied at the last minute. However, only a single goal was required and we got it to get ourselves to the final.”

Secrets’ Safe

The two sides have met five times this season, with Birkirkara leading the head to head by 4-1. In a sense, perhaps there is little that is unknown between the two. On the other hand, the two tacticians bring plenty of experience and will certainly be plotting ways to thwart the other.

Noting Valletta’s tactic of a low-block threw off Birkirkara in the final stages of attack, Kenneth Costantino was probed on whether he is keen on letting Birkirkara dominate possession or whether he is wary of giving the league champions even more confidence. As expected, Costantino was curt in his response, “We’ve played Birkirkara numerous times. We know each other very well. Cup games are tricky affairs and you need to interpret them differently.”

His counterpart, Jose’ Borg expects Hibernians to bide their time, “I do expect Hibernians to play with a counter-attacking mindset, knowing our strengths. We usually dominate the game in terms of possession. It is not a problem for us for them to play like this. We are aware of their strengths and will be ready for it.”

On the other hand, asked about the importance of experience in his own squad, Borg is not underestimating the threat from the Paolites. He said, “A final is always a final. Hibernians have the quality to win the final and so we must be as always at the top of our game. However, we have our own target to win the treble and finish the season on a high.”

Should the sides not be separated after the ninety minutes, extra-time and even penalties may ensue. However, Kenneth Costantino rejected that Birkirkara’s deeper squad makes it favourable for Hibernians to try to close off the final in the ninety minutes. He said, “Time is not the issue. Winning the cup is the objective. Whether within ninety minutes, one-hundred and twenty minutes or after penalties, the objective remains the same.”

Meanwhile, Jose’ Borg is not keen on extending the final any longer than necessary, “We do not plan to go into extra-time and hopefully close it out in normal time. However, should Hibernians manage to take us into extra-time, then certainly the depth will help us to get it over the line.”

Is Another Record To Be Broken?

The Super Cup final held in December between Birkirkara and Swieqi United attracted the largest domestic crowd for a women’s football match in Malta of 671 supporters. This match will put Malta’s most decorated teams in the women’s game against each other in the Knockout final for the first time since the 2013/14 season.

Noting the exuberant promotion by both clubs, the two coaches were probed about the possibility of breaking the domestic attendance record once more. This would continue the upward trend in spectators flocking to the stadiums for the women’s game in such big occasions.

Kenneth Costantino encouraged attendance, “I hope that it’s a game played in true sporting spirit. Football is a beautiful game and the women’s game is attracting attention, seeing a rapid growth. It would be fit to have a crowd in such a big game.”

Likewise, Jose’ Borg urged supporters to make their presence felt, “Both clubs have been promoting the match heavily. We know that between them, these two clubs have nearly won all of the honours that the women’s game has to offer. So, it would be nice to have a big attendance and in doing so break another record, to shut down the season 2023/24 on a positive note in this regard as well. Hopefully, it will be a great match which supporters can appreciate and enjoy. Of course, I hope that Birkirkara’s supporters will enjoy it more as we strive to bring home the treble.”

The final will kick-off at 18:00 at the Centenary Stadium. Those still looking to get tickets may purchase them online. While the match relies on supporters to bring their enthusiasm toward creating an atmosphere fitting of a cup final, those unable to make it in person will be able to watch live on TVM Sports+.

Lead Image: Lara Schembri

Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X