by Thursday’s match between leaders Birkirkara and second-placed Swieqi United will also be broadcast on TVM Sports+, with less geographical restrictions. The pick becomes the second one in the span of a week, after the opening match of the final phase between Birkirkara and Mgarr United was also televised.
The recurring pick marks drastically increased attention by the broadcaster toward the Assikura Women’s League since the new year, which enhances its visibility for those who are yet to dip their toes into the Maltese women’s football league. However, The Sporting Fan understands that contrary to initial reports by another media outlet, the league is not yet set for a recurring pick every Thursday until the end of the league season. It is unclear exactly how the fixtures will be chosen for broadcasting.
On the other hand, there is positive news for those interested to follow matches from the Assikura Women’s League from beyond Maltese shores. The Sporting Fan received confirmation from PBS that all geo-blocking will be lifted for the top of the table clash between Birkirkara and Swieqi United.
Despite Birkirkara making a continuous appearance in the two picks, Mgarr United and Swieqi United offer different playing styles which should enable new viewers to get a better look at more players and teams.
Some Background About The Teams
Birkirkara are hunting their 12th title which would equal Hibernians, who sit at the perch of Maltese women’s football in this regard. Swieqi United are second in the league, 4 points adrift from the leaders. They have been hunting Birkirkara for a number of years, with the rivalry brewing further with each season in the past few years.
Last year Swieqi United truly started making good on that progress after eliminating Birkirkara from the Assikura Women’s Knockout (the domestic cup) in the quarter-final, before going on to beat Raiders Lija and Hibernians to lift their maiden trophy. This year, Swieqi managed to back that up with a dramatic late win against Birkirkara in the league, ending Birkirkara’s 7-year running unbeaten streak in the competition. The two had a goalless stalemate the second time round. However, Birkirkara pipped Swieqi United to the Super Cup trophy in their last meet in the December one-match final between last year’s league and cup winners.
Coach Jose’ Borg leads Birkirkara and is leading the team for the second season, while having a number of years coaching in the women’s game under his belt. In the opposite dugout is Saviour Darmanin, who is in his first year as Swieqi United’s head coach, after having served as a goalkeeper’s coach for a number of years. This, following ending his playing career as a goalkeeper.
From Birkirkara Janice Xuereb, Stephania Farrugia, Charlene Zammit, Ann-Marie Said, Alishia Sultana, Gabriella Zahra and Raina Giusti have all donned both the club and national team shirt for a number of years, having several domestic titles to their name. Beyond Maltese nationals, Italian Marta Grosso is into her second season with Birkirkara and is the club’s leading goalscorer on 13 goals. Summer signing Arianna Del Moral and Grosso have been regular standouts for the Stripes this season, both in creation and in scoring. Caitlin Rogers is another summer signing who has been a rock in the holding midfield role.
On the other hand, Swieqi United boast Malta’s most decorated player at club and country level, in their captain Dorianne Theuma. She is joined by compatriots, midfielder Shona Zammit and forwards Jade Flask and Mariah Sciberras, all of whom could make an appearance and also bring title pedigree to the team. Emma Xuereb is another established player, who however is currently sidelined by injury.
Jessica Dimech and Jade Schembri have also established themselves as regulars for Swieqi United. The two are often employed as full-backs but bring versatility to the side and a take-no-prisoners attitude. Goalkeeper Patricia Araujo is on loan from Brazilian giants Corinthians and has also impressed for the side in between the goalposts.
There are also number of exciting young talents coming up in the teams. Despite their young age Birkirkara’s Veronique Mifsud, Valentina Rapa and Sara Saliba are all established players who have contributed to winning a number of titles with the club already. Veronique Mifsud is the most experienced out of the three, having established herself at fourteen years of age at the start of Birkirkara’s dominating streak that they displayed for the last few years. Valentina Rapa has steadily gained an established role in an otherwise vastly experienced defence, while sixteen year old Sara Saliba was the leading goalscorer for the team last year to help them to their 11th title.
Meanwhile, Swieqi United’s teenager Salamatu Abdulai is also into her second season with the team and is the league joint-top scorer (18 goals). She could feature on her return after being away with her national team (Ghana) to secure qualification for the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. Compatriot Karima Abdulai is following suit, having notched 13 goals and scored the all-important goal in Swieqi United’s win over Birkirkara in the teams’ first encounter of the season.
Central defender Tammy Falzon and wide forward Kaysia Micallef are exciting talents who established themselves in the first-eleven this year, while also forming part of the team that is still unbeaten in the U19 league this season, with Micallef leading the scorers list on 13 goals*. Michaela Cachia and Ema Micallef have both made crucial appearances for the side in both leagues, while Amelia Vassallo and Ileana Farrugia could also be ones to watch for Birkirkara.
Matches between the two teams have often been tense and tactical affairs. However, if the past matches are anything to go by, then this is definitely one you do not want to miss. The match will be played tomorrow Thursday 25th at 20:15 CET and can be watched online.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
*Edit: Salamatu Abdulai was previously incorrectly identified as the leading top-scorer in the U19 league. Abdulai is on 10 goals and follows Kaysia Micallef (13).
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Thanks a lot for your support! without that restriction fans, like me, are going to be able to watch the game from the US. GO Birkirkara! 🙂