The 2025-26 Assikura Women’s League kicks off on Thursday night with a curtain-raiser between Birkirkara and Valletta.
This campaign brings fresh changes as the competition welcomes six teams.
As a result, the format shifts once again – clubs will face each other across four rounds, meaning each side will play only 20 matches by season’s end, besides the Jubilee Cup and domestic cup commitments.
Defending champions Swieqi United will aim to build on last year’s historic triumph, when they lifted their maiden league title under the leadership of Dorianne Theuma – the former Malta captain in her first senior coaching role.
The Owls have already had their first test this season in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers. Despite bowing out, they impressed with a commanding 5-0 win over Moldova’s Anenii Noi – their first ever European victory – before narrowly falling 2-1 to hosts Spartak Myjava in the decisive tie.
Theuma has bolstered her squad with some notable signings in Valentina Rapa, versatile Malta defender (ex-Birkirkara), Sara Saliba, forward with youth spells at Pomigliano and AC Milan, and Aleksandra Yaneva, Bulgarian international striker.
Swieqi will launch their title defence against Mġarr United, the cup winners and league runners-up.
Coached again by Ryan Vella, the Greens enter the season full of optimism after celebrating their first major trophy last year by defeating Hibernians in the domestic cup final.
Mġarr boast continuity, retaining their core squad while adding depth. They will once more count on international talent in Alejandra and Valeria Villegas (Colombia) and Argentine duo Yanina Mendez and Luz Hernandez.
Crucially, they await the return of midfield stars Brenda Borg and Veronique Mifsud, both recovering from long-term injuries.
After years of dominance, Birkirkara embark on a season of transition. Billy Mock takes charge following Vince Galea’s one-year tenure, overseeing a squad rebuild with several key arrivals in Amy Busuttil (defender, ex-Hibernians), Ylenia Grech (midfielder, ex-Valletta), Patricia Lamanna (forward, returning to the club) and Maya Pellegrini (ex-Chile U-20 forward)
The Stripes retain experience through goalkeeper Janice Xuereb and welcome back defender Stephania Farrugia from injury. However, they must do without Alishia Sultana, who retired at the end of last season.
Hibernians are also entering a new chapter under former captain Martina Borg, who takes her first step into senior coaching. Their revamped squad includes Malta goalkeeper Maya Cachia, defender Calista Schechinger (ex-Birkirkara) and midfielder Francesca Bartolo, returning from Sassuolo.
San Ġwann secured perhaps the most significant renewal of the summer – the continuation of prolific striker Hailey Russell, who netted 27 goals to top the scoring charts last season. She will now be joined by another proven finisher, Rodianne Zerafa, moving from Hibernians after a loan spell with Valletta.
Finally, Valletta approach the new season with a completely reshaped squad. Their marquee signing is Brazilian playmaker Joelma, formerly of Mġarr and Hibernians, who will serve as the team’s creative heartbeat.