Valletta Seek To Break Rut Against An Mtarfa Side That Will Take Its Chance

Mtarfa and Valletta will initiate proceedings at Charles Abela Stadium at 15:00, as all teams in the Assikura Women’s League take to the pitch this afternoon. Despite a dip in form for Valletta, Gaetano Papaleo spoke of the threat that the Citizens pose while hoping his team can replicate recent performance. Valletta’s Jean Lopes did not shy from the struggles the side is facing in view of the long-term trajectory, while underscoring the importance of a victory to push the team forward.

Taking Stock Of Performance With A Wider Lens

Mtarfa should head into the match with a sliver of light amid a troubling season, having found the net for the first time against Lija Athletic last weekend. Having stressed the desire for the team to be brave and take opportunities, Gaetano Papaleo spoke of the team’s positive approach in the second half, “We started badly, but there was a reaction in the second half. We had many scoring opportunities.”

The team appeared to have more energy in the match and the Mtarfa leader was asked about the potential impact of having several U19 players having had a significant break from matches in the lead up to the match. Papaleo saluted the effort from the youngsters, acknowledging their priority remains the youth league, “We know the U19 play another league, but they are trying all their best.”

In contrast, Valletta struggled to hold off Hibernians, succumbing to their strongest defeat. Jean Lopes did not try to sugarcoat the situation, knowing his team must dig deep against the circumstances, “This game against Hibernians was very difficult overall. We have many injured players, we lost all our foreign players for the rest of the season, and on top of that, we were going up against Hibernians, one of the strongest teams in the league. Of course, nothing justifies a performance below expectations, but unfortunately, this is our current reality, and we must continue trying to give our best until the end of the season.”

Besides injuries, the squad that transitioned into Valletta is quickly gaining traction as a ‘feeder’ to the bigger clubs, while it struggles to replace its star players. Lexine Farrugia, Giulia D’Antuono and Leah Ayres were among those that never transitioned into Valletta following the disbanding from Raiders Lija.

Since then, the club has lost Francesca Bartolo, Miriana Conti and now Sarah Vella Barberi as well to other clubs. This besides a list of other players altogether disappearing from the football scene, including Georgiana Mifsud and Michela Bonello Ghio, among others.

Questioned about dealing with these elements and the consideration of adopting a different approach, Jean Lopes replied, “In fact, we’ve lost many players from one season to the next. We continue to lose them due to injuries and because other teams are approaching our players, as they are very talented despite their young age. Replacing these players has been a very challenging task. What we’ve been doing is trying to adapt by finding solutions within our own squad to keep fighting in every game.”

Valletta In Search Of A Return To Form

Mtarfa still seek their first points, and despite Valletta’s dip in form, Gaetano Papaleo is clear on the quality that the side possess. “Valletta is an organised team. We know it will be difficult. However, we will try to repeat a good match.”

Likewise, Valletta’s Jean Lopes maintained a sense of respect toward his adversary, although acknowledging his team need the three points for a myriad of reasons. He said, “I believe we must perform well in every match. Mtarfa is a team I respect and we will treat them with the same respect we show to other teams. The need for a win is clear and we will do our best to play a good game—not because the match is against Mtarfa, but because that is always our main duty.”

The two teams will initiate the double header at Charles Abela Stadium, with the match kicking off at 15:00, to be followed by the encounter between Mgarr United and San Gwann (17:30).

Meanwhile, Swieqi United and Lija Athletic will be embroiled in their own battle at Dingli Ground, starting at 14:00, before the top of the table clash between Hibernians and Birkirkara (16:30) is played at the same ground.

Lead Images:  Lara Schembri

Make sure to never miss an Assikura Women’s League match by syncing your calendar here.

Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X