by Swieqi United and Valletta will conclude the first round of fixtures in the Assikura Women’s League this evening at Dingli Ground (19:00). Ahead of tonight, Dorianne Theuma and Anton Cremona reflected on the performances contributing to their points tally and the challenges of motivation in view of results and squad depth shared with the U21 sides.
Slim Margins & Motivation
Swieqi United will be taking on Valletta this evening as the two wrap up their first round commitments. Swieqi United secured a comeback to ensure three points against Hibernians, winning the match by 2 – 1.
Dorianne Theuma reflected on the response against an early goal, “Conceding a goal so early in the match is never easy, but I was pleased with the way the team reacted. Rather than letting it affect them negatively, the players remained focused, showed character, and managed to turn the situation around with two well taken goals before half-time. That response is a sign of maturity and belief in their own abilities.”
The match featured another penalty stop from Patricia Araujo, despite the Paolites making the most of the rebound. This besides the key attributes of a modern goalkeeper that the Brazilian continues to display in the league. Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma was questioned on the challenges in maintaining development and motivation in the goalkeeping unit, with such a strong starter and two promising understudies in Chanelle Borg and Erika Muscat.
She replied, “Having a goalkeeper like Patricia is a privilege. She is not only a leader on the pitch but also a role model off it. This creates a positive environment for both Chanelle and Erika, who are still developing. Together with our goalkeeper coach, Yandrick (Cassar), we place a lot of emphasis on their growth, both through daily training and by giving them opportunities to gain experience in the youth league. The challenge is to ensure that each of them feels valued and continues to progress, and I believe we have a strong structure that supports their development.”
Meanwhile, Valletta showed attacking promise against San Gwann, in a match where the team made their presence known across the pitch. However, the finishing proved elusive for both sides. However, the performance enabled the side to earn their first point this year.
Anton Cremona was positive about the growth shown by his team, “I was very happy with our performance and the progress of the team. We know that San Gwann are in the same level as us.”
As to the question of earning the win instead of one point, he replied, “Yes we could have had three points and were merited. There was also a point when everybody was waiting the match official to point to the penalty spot. However, that’s football.”
The side is doing well with two victories in the U21 league, with the point earned in the senior competition. Anton Cremona did not give much insight on the differences between preparing the team for the two competitions, but acknowledged that the results boost motivation, “Yes after the Lija-Mgarr win (in the U21 league) the players are more motivated and confident to play. We had a good game against San Gwann, a team from top level of that league. I hope we keep working.”
Different Challenges
Swieqi United will go into the match with a good tally of points and seeking a victory to maintain just a three point gap ahead of their upcoming clash with front runners Mgarr United.
Dorianne Theuma acceded that Valletta could offer a different set of questions in combination of earning the first point and the potential of a low-block. The Swieqi coach is embracing the challenge that the Citizens choose to throw at them, “Consistency is always at the core of our approach, regardless of the opponent. We know Valletta will come motivated after their recent result, and if they choose to defend deep, it will present us with a different type of challenge. What matters most is that we maintain our intensity and focus, while adapting to the situations we encounter on the pitch.”
Anton Cremona equally acknowledged the strength of the side that they will face, but is keen on his team to show improvements, “Swieqi is a strong team. We have to play this game with discipline and avoid mistakes from previous games. We are preparing for a tough game, but we will work hard in it.”
The two teams will conclude the first round of the Assikura Women’s League 2025/26 season this evening at Dingli Ground, starting at 19:00.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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