Jose Borg leaves Birkirkara men, women’s teams

Birkirkara announced that Jose Borg is no longer the coach of the men’s and women’s teams.

Borg started the season in charge of the women’s team but in January the Stripes top hierarchy decided to draft him at the helm of the men’s selection until the end of the season.

“Birkirkara FC would like to announce that Coach Jose Borg’s tenure with the men’s and women’s teams has concluded following the end of his contract with our club,” the statement said.

“Coach Borg was appointed to the Women’s Team in June 2022. During his tenure, the team clinched two consecutive league titles, one knockout title, and two Super Cups. Borg steered the team to back-to-back victories in two seasons in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, achieving a historic victory and then placing in a historic 2nd place in the second year.”

“In February 2024, Borg was appointed the Coach of the Men’s Team. Despite a promising start under his leadership, the team finished fifth in the league and was eliminated in the FA Trophy semi-final, resulting in missing out on European competitions.”

“We extend our gratitude to Jose for his dedicated service and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

After winning the Assikura Women’s Knockout competition with Birkirkara, Jose Borg had expressed his delight for this triumph to the Times of Malta Sport.

He could not have wished for a better farewell to his spell in the women’s game after guiding Birkirkara to cup success, completing the domestic treble.

Last month, Birkirkara beat Hibernians 2-0 to add a record 17th cup success to their trophy cabinet, their fifth triumph in the last six editions.

Borg’s side were well-deserved winners after dominating proceedings from start to finish, with Valentina Rapa and Sara Saliba scoring a goal in each half.

Last year Swieqi United won the competition, with Hibs finishing runners-up once again.

The Stripes won their sixth Super Cup title back in December before retaining the league crown for the 12th time this season.

This was Birkirkara’s first treble since the 2017-18 season, considering also that the Knockout competition and the Super Cup were not completed or had not started at all in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

After leading Birkirkara to their Knock Out success, Borg heaped praise on his female players for a spectacular season where they have been challenged in every competition including in the UEFA Women’s Champions League where again they produced some positive results.

“Winning all trophies was one of our targets alongside doing well in the women’s Champions League where we placed second in our qualifying group,” Borg told the Times of Malta.

“It was a very tough season where the local teams have improved and the league’s new format made it even more challenging for us.”

Borg, who won every domestic competition in charge of Birkirkara, said that he will keep following the women’s game as it remains a big part of his life.

“I have always followed women’s football, even when I was not involved,” he said.

“It has improved a lot and this year’s competitive season bodes well for the future of this movement.”

Now, Birkirkara will be shifting their attention to next season’s preparations as they will represent Malta in the Champions League again while looking to remain competitive to repeat this year’s memorable campaign.