Swieqi United coach Saviour Darmanin has collected the first Assikura Coach of the Round award for season 2023/24.

Former Malta international goalkeeper Darmanin took charge of the Owls this summer, taking over from Assikura Women’s Knock-Out winning coach Judith Kuipers.

In his first round of games at the helm of Swieqi, Darmanin guided the Owls to five victories including a famous 1-0 win over champions Birkirkara which ended the long unbeaten run produced by the Stripes in recent years.

Under Darmanin, Swieqi has mounted a serious challenge to Birkirkara as they trail the Stripes by four points with seven games left, including two direct encounters.