by Valletta and Hibernians will spark life into the final stint of the Assikura Women’s League before the Christmas break, as they kick things off at Dingli Ground at 14:00 this afternoon. Jean Lopes & Kenneth Costantino gave their take on the loan swap of Rodianne Zerafa and Sarah Vella Barberi, while discussing injury woes and match expectations.
Back With A Bang
The two sides will walk onto the pitch at Dingli Ground this afternoon potentially featuring new faces in the team after announcing the loan swap of Rodianne Zerafa and Sarah Vella Barberi.
The swap deal means that, in Rodianne Zerafa, Valletta will be getting a proven goalscorer with experience, a piece of the puzzle that has been sorely lacking. On the other hand, Sarah Vella Barberi has a knack for creation as well as the spectacular, attributes which Hibernians will seek as they mount their title challenge.
Jean Lopes showed enthusiasm to return to matchdays and suggested that the swap benefits players and clubs alike, “We are finally back in action. The exchange was made due to the individual context of each athlete and the needs of each team. In the end, we believe it was a satisfactory exchange for everyone involved, clubs and athletes.”
Kenneth Costantino gave his thoughts on the agreement, “We took many aspects into consideration. Primarily, Rodianne (Zerafa) needed to play games. In the forward positions we had five players and this meant that Rodianne was getting very limited opportunities. When the second phase kicks off, playing time might be even more limited. Hence, loaning her until the end of the season was the best option for her. She can now play more games with less pressure too.”
Speaking of his new addition, Costantino added, “On the other hand, Sarah (Vella Barberi) gives us different options in the wing back or wide positions, but can be also an option in the middle of the field. I believe she needed a different challenge and therefore this move benefits both players and clubs.”
However, the Hibernians coach was clear on the challenges posed by a month’s break for a club coach, “An international break is always a headache for club coaches. You tend to have important missing elements and this limits our work tremendously. Of course it’s an issue worldwide. However, a month without competition makes it hard to maintain momentum.”
Dealing With Injuries
Valletta’s long-term injuries have been a dominant feature of this season, with Jean Lopes making clear the number of absences that they will have to deal with. “Unfortunately, we lost Eduarda (Martins Souza) and Andressa (de Souza Ramos) for the rest of the season due to injury and we also unfortunately lost Marcelle (de Oliveira Julio) due to an injury. Kim (Fava) is still undergoing medical treatment and there is no expected return date.”
Meanwhile, probed on the return of Gaia Antonelli Jean Lopes replied, “Gaia is already a constant presence in our training sessions but we are being cautious so that her return will be when she is truly one-hundred percent.”
Hibernians’ Kenneth Costantino gave an update on the return of Nyorah Celeste and Pearl May Schembri, “Nyorah like Pearl has been working to regain her mobility, strength and fitness. She works hard at the gym and on the field, but is still not training with the team. When it comes to our players’ well-being, we take no risks. We look forward to have her back with the group.”
Although the league leaders appear to be doing well on the injury front, the top-four expect to face a string of high intensity matches once the league split is enacted. In fact, questioned about his sides’ ability to get to this stage with good conditions for his team, Kenneth Costantino was clear on the challenge ahead, “I will be in a position to answer your question better after the second phase gets into its peak. Injuries and form will be heavily challenged when we have nine finals on the trot. Until now, I am very happy with all the work done and the way we managed the team.”
Match Expectations
Hibernians won the first round match fairly comfortably, with a 3 – 0 victory. The Citizens head into this match knowing that several will be back out on the pitch on Tuesday in an Assikura Women’s Youth League top of the table clash against Swieqi United.
Questioned on this impact on preparations for the match against Hibernians, Jean Lopes replied, “We know that the U19s have a tough match on Tuesday against Swieqi, but everything will depend on the context of the match against Hibernians to know if we can give the players some rest or not. What I can say is that as always our U19 players are very motivated and they certainly want to play as much as possible in this match.”
Meanwhile, ever the tactician, Kenneth Costantino was probed on whether supporters can expect any changes in approach considering the month’s long hiatus. He said, “We are always working to improve our gameplay and we continuously work with the players in the boardroom to transmit our principles of play. Hence, I hope that rather than a change in approach we see an improvement in its implementation.”
The two sides will re-initiate the women’s game domestically this afternoon at Dingli Ground, starting at 14:00. The match will be followed by the bottom-of-the-table clash between Lija Athletic and Mtarfa (16:30).
Tomorrow also presents the first taste of silverware for the season in Malta for Birkirkara or Swieqi United in the Super Cup. The Centenary Stadium will play host to the final on Sunday 8th at 14:00. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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[…] The two teams are due to head onto the pitch at Dingli Ground at 16:30, following the encounter between Valletta and Hibernians (14:00). […]