Birkirkara and Swieqi United face off in the Assikura Women’s Super Cup, the first silverware at stake in this 2024/2025 season, at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 2pm).
The Stripes are looking to solidify their dominance by retaining the trophy which they lifted last year, beating Swieqi 2-1.
That success propelled Birkirkara as joint-leaders with Hibernians in the all-time winners list of this competition, with seven triumphs, meaning the Stripes will be now eyeing a record-eighth victory.
Moreover, the Stripes won the last three editions, besides the 2023 final, after lifting the Super Cup in both 2019 and in 2022 finals – the first edition following a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Swieqi, on their part, are chasing their maiden Super Cup success after falling short in their attempts so far.
Last season, Birkirkara claimed every domestic title in Jose Borg’s final season as coach of the Stripes.
This time around though, guided by Vince Galea who took over during the summer, Birkirkara’s quest for another treble is under threat.
“This final is very important for us, for the club and for the team,” Galea said.
“We play every game with a winning mindset and that is how we will approach this final as well.”
Galea does not feel any extra responsibility to deliver this success, despite being at the helm of Malta’s dominant team in recent years.
“With my team, I prepare every game with lots of thoughts and energy, and this will be no different.”
Obviously, a final will always put some more excitement to the environment.”
The Stripes are at the back of a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Swieqi, with Salamatu Abdulai and Karima Abdulai grabbing the winning goals for the Owls.
Their second defeat of the season meant Birkirkara slipped back into second place, trailing leaders Hibernians by one point after 10 matches.
On the other hand, Swieqi made amends to their shaky start to their campaign which included a heavy defeat against Birkirkara as they sit third on 22 points, level with the Stripes.
Taking charge of Swieqi in the dugout will be Dorianne Theuma, chasing her first silverware as a senior team coach.
The former Malta captain lifted this trophy multiple times as player but has failed to do so as Swieqi player.
“As a coach, there is more responsibility to make sure that the team is prepared in the best possible way,” she told the Times of Malta.
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to contend this trophy because we have earned this spot through last season’s hard work and commitment.”
Asked about the importance of this final, Theuma pointed out that they were in a rich vein of form before the break but they are aware that they will be crossing swords with the local champions, winners of the last three editions.
Leaders Hibs in action
Meanwhile, Assikura Women’s League Hibernians will be in action this weekend when they take on Valletta in one of the two championship matches scheduled for Saturday.
The Paolites have the opportunity to extend their lead to four points with second-place Birkirkara and Swieqi out of league action.
Hibernians defeated Mtarfa 5-0 before the lengthy break which included an international window for both the U-17’s and U-19’s selections, and the senior national team.
Valletta, on their part, sit sixth with nine points so far.
In the other match, Lija Athletic and Mtarfa will rub shoulders in another intriguing clash from the bottom half of the table.
Lija sit second bottom with four points while Mtarfa are still looking for their first points of the campaign.
LIST OF SUPER CUP WINNERS
HIBERNIANS – 7
BIRKIRKARA – 7 (holders)
MOSTA – 3
FIXTURES
SATURDAY
Assikura Women’s League
Valletta vs Hibernians – 2pm, Dingli Ground.
Lija Athletic vs Mtarfa – 4.30pm, Dingli Ground.
SUNDAY
Assikura Women’s Super Cup
Birkirkara vs Swieqi United – 2pm, Centenary Stadium.
