by Valletta and Swieqi United kick off the final league weekend with standings settled, as Anton Cremona pointed to missed chances in Valletta’s recent draw, while Dorianne Theuma highlighted the organisation and discipline behind Swieqi’s win over Hibernians. Both sides now turn their focus to performance and momentum ahead of the Knockout.
Contrasting Outcomes
Valletta and Swieqi United will meet to conclude their commitments in the Assikura Women’s League this season, with both sides entering the fixture with their respective positions already confirmed in the standings.
While the outcome will not alter the table, the match still offers a final opportunity to shape the narrative of each team’s campaign — whether in search of a closing statement or continued momentum ahead of the Knockout.
The two sides head into the clash on the back of very different results.
Valletta played out a 3–3 draw against San Gwann, a result that head coach Anton Cremona viewed with mixed feelings, “I think it was a fair result, but personally I wasn’t happy with just a draw. The reality is we had a chance to take the win at the end, and missed our opportunity.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Swieqi United delivered a strong performance in their victory over Hibernians— one that confirmed their place in the table while underlining the qualities that defined their title-winning campaign last season on the back of a defeat to Birkirkara.
Head coach Dorianne Theuma was encouraged by the response, “Yes, that’s the kind of performance we expect. The team was organised, disciplined, and worked well together. Individually as well, the level was very good. It’s important now that we build on this and show the same approach in the next matches.”
The contrast reflects the broader trajectory of both sides this season, with Swieqi maintaining competitiveness near the top end of the table, while Valletta have had to navigate a more transitional campaign and yet to register a victory this year.
Season Reflections Shaped By Change And Consistency
For Valletta, the season has been defined by upheaval. A combination of squad turnover, injuries, and the departure of key figures — including captain Joelma Alves Gabriel — disrupted continuity at crucial moments.
Cremona acknowledged the scale of those challenges, “We knew it would be a tough season to start off with a completely new squad. We tried everything that we could, but we still had a lot of changes, from start to finish – between injuries, sickness, players going abroad and some left. I think when we started to get a footing, we lost key players like Joelma and Liliana (Cohete) too.”
Swieqi United, meanwhile, approached the season from a different position, having lifted the league title in the previous campaign.
While consistency proved more difficult to sustain this time around, Theuma pointed to the group’s resilience as a key positive, “The biggest positive is that the group stayed united and committed, even during difficult moments. That says a lot about the players. At the same time, we need to rediscover the consistency we had last year, that’s where we must improve.”
Final Opportunity To Shape The Narrative
Although the standings are settled, the fixture still carries significance in how both teams close their league campaigns.
Valletta have found opportunities difficult to come by against Swieqi this season, despite moments of promise — particularly from set-pieces.
Cremona remains realistic about the challenge ahead, while still hoping for a competitive conclusion.
“We had good matches against them but we know that they are a very strong team. I hope that perhaps they will rotate players who haven’t played much. On our part we go to the pitch with the aim of doing our best, it would be nice to conclude the league campaign with a result that is respectful.”
For Swieqi United, the focus is less on the result itself and more on maintaining standards.
Having already secured their position, the emphasis shifts toward performance and preparation for what lies ahead.
Dorianne Theuma summed up expectations for this evening, “The focus is on the performance. We want to see the same intensity and hunger from the last match. That’s important not just for this game, but also to prepare in the best way possible for the trophy and for the upcoming season.”
The two teams will be kicking off the final weekend of the Assikura Women’s League at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 20:30.
Lead Image: RPC Photo MT
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