by The Assikura Women’s League will return for the first time in 2026, with two teams coming into it from either side of the table as Valletta face league leaders Mgarr United. Anton Cremona & Ryan Vella weighed in on January transfer expectations ahead of tonight’s fixture, with Vella also discussing the hope of the impact of Amber Grech’s goal being shortlisted in the VEO People’s Puskas 2025 over the break.
Grech’s Goal Under The Spotlight As Break Gives Way To Return
The Assikura Women’s League will be back in action under the floodlights at the Centenary Stadium this evening. It will bring two teams from both ends of the table as bottom-side Valletta face the league leaders, Mgarr United, who are yet to suffer a first defeat in the league this season.
Valletta’s Anton Cremona was questioned about the impacts of having several of his team form part of the U21 side, which gives these players a head start having had two matches under their belt in the Youth League since the turn of the calendar year. Cremona replied, “Yes, a long break isn’t too good, especially considering that the festive season naturally disrupts the rhythm with a lot of player also having their own vacation time.”
Meanwhile, Mgarr United had the perfect send-off into the Christmas period, with a statement victory against the defending champions, Swieqi United. Coach Ryan Vella admitted the importance of the performance, “The game against Swieqi was a really positive game. Overall, it showed the improvement the team has made in all phases of the game. We felt that in the first half we started slow, but then after first twenty minutes the team increased intensity and took control of the game. The second half was really good, we created a lot, scored two good goals, kept a clean sheet and got the three points home.”
The Mgarr United coach was happy with the way the team handled the break, “During the Christmas period we managed to keep a good work to rest ratio, and during the past ten days we increased the intensity of training again. The team is prepared and looking forward to get back to playing games.”
Indeed the break was not all quiet, with Amber Grech’s goal against Swieqi United back in October making headlines in being nominated as one of Veo’s People’s Puskas 2025.
Ryan Vella praised the midfielder’s contributions and the inclination of the club to submit various nominations, “Amber has scored a couple of really nice goals so far this season. Once we saw that Veo organized this competition we decided to send them footage of some goals from our team. Luckily Amber’s strike got shortlisted as one of the best 100 goals.”
He continued by remarking the hope of the positive impact of the nomination on the league as a whole, “Amber’s nomination shows that in our league we have players capable of creating truly special moments. The goal is a reminder of the quality that exists here, and it highlights how important it is for us to support these players by giving them the right exposure so their talent can be seen.”
The vote is open to the public and those interested can vote here. Grech’s goal is one of 100 nominations in a mixed selection of goals from men’s and women’s football across the globe.
Thoughts On Transfers
January brings with it the opportunity for movement. As expected the two teams are having very different conversations about their squads in view of long-term and short-term goals, considering their current respective positions and trajectories.
Anton Cremona gave an honest assessment of the impacts of a small player pool on the prospects available for Valletta when asked about whether to expect new acquisitions. He replied, “Certainly. There aren’t too many Maltese players to consider because everyone has their own players and we know that our position in the table isn’t too attractive.”
Despite this, the side appears to have made inroads otherwise, “However, we brought in Ines (Mohamed) before the break and we are also happy to have brought in a Brazilian player who can give us a boost.” The club formerly announced the forward, Daisy Reino, yesterday via their social media.
Meanwhile, Ryan Vella suggested there isn’t too much inclination to disrupt the group for the near future, “Although we feel that there is always room for improvement, we’re not going to rush into any decisions. We’re very happy with our team. They’re a united bunch and we feel that maintaining consistency is key going into the final two rounds of the season.”
Into The Thick Of Things Once More
With the Assikura Women’s Youth League already under way, the younger players of the two sides have already found themselves on the back of two matches. However, the Assikura Women’s League will be reignited this evening.
Valletta’s Anton Cremona retains optimism on turning the page of the new year, despite the challenge of the task at hand, “We must always take to the pitch with hope to improve from our previous match. However, the fact that we are conceding early isn’t helping the morale at all. We must be better concentrated in the beginning of the match.”
With a healthy lead at the top, and facing the team in the lowest position who features several U21 players, Mgarr’s Ryan Vella was questioned about the choice of the first eleven in pushing for a certain victory with the first team or using the match as an opportunity to rotate some of the younger faces.
He replied, “Like any other game for us, the most important thing is to get the three points. That will be the first and main objective. It’s important as well that our team gets match sharpness back after a long break. So we’ll adapt to whatever happens in game.”
The two teams will take to the pitch at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15.
Lead Image: Francesca Vella
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