Hibernians FC and Mgarr United are poised to clash on Monday afternoon for the momentous final of the Malta FA Women’s Jubilee Cup, powered by Enemed.
Hibernians and Mgarr will be meeting one another on Monday 8th December for the final of the competition, with the match kicking off at 14:30hrs at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali.
The Malta FA Jubilee Cup is a special one-off competition that is being organised as part of the Association’s 125th anniversary.
Photo courtesy of Malta FA
On Saturday, the press conference ahead of the epic final was held at Centenary Hall, with both sides keen to make their mark and win their first trophy of the season.
Speaking during the event, Hibernians coach Martina Borg remarked that the fact that this is a one-off competition that already gives it plenty of importance, and will serve as extra motivation to the players.
“I believe this will serve as great motivation to the players who will not just be playing for a trophy, but it will also be of great honour for the club if we can bring it home to Paola. Hibernians have had a great history in women’s football, winning a range of honours, so it will be special if together we manage to win this trophy, with a relatively young squad as well,” she added.
On his behalf, Mgarr coach Ryan Vella said that while it is a special competition, the coaching staff does not want to put extra pressure on the players.
“So far, we are having a very positive season, and this final could form part of the process we started two years ago, also bringing home another honour to our town. Nobody knows what will happen on Monday, but the most important thing is that we produce a good advert for women’s football,” he continued.
Borg stated that the team will remain focused on the principles that have served as a foundation throughout the season, but will also have times when adaptation is required.
“There are moments when the team has to find another solution, according to the situation that we have found ourselves in. But as a base, the principles will remain there,” she said.
When asked the need for Mgarr to be clinical in front of goal Vella said that there may be some pressure early on as the team adapts to the pace of the game.
“We are creating plenty of chances every game, but it is important that we are as clinical as possible,” he continued.
To get to the final, Hibernians saw out Birkirkara FC, winning the match 3-0 thanks to goals from Nicole Sciberras and Sylivia Kabene. On the other hand, Mgarr had to go all the way to penalties against Swieqi United, eventually coming out on top 3-1 through the shootout.
Commenting during the press conference, Hibernians captain Nicole Sciberras said that there will be plenty of emotions ahead and during such a big game. “It is important that the excitement you have, you try to channel it into good and positive emotions. We prepare in the same way as a normal game, but deep down, there is always the feeling that this is a final.”
Mgarr captain Abigail Camilleri stated that given this is a one-off trophy, there will always be a sense of anxiety prior to the match. “The most important thing is that you try to stick to your normal routine. But before the game, even the fact that it is a different stadium, you will have some anxiety. Hopefully as the game wears on, it eases away.”
Monday’s final will also be the first time that Football Video Support will be used for a match in local women’s football. Both coaches stated that while it is a new technology, they feel that it will greatly improve the game.
The captains of both teams called for young supporters to come to the National Stadium on Monday to come and support their respective sides.
“I remember when I used to come and watch the senior team, wishing I could be in their shoes. Those young children will one day be in our place. To see your role models playing in front of you, it provides motivation both to yourself and the players you are watching,” Sciberras remarked.
“Young children nowadays have more opportunities than we had in the past. These matches are great for them as they can watch, learn, and aspire to play in the stadium as well,” Camilleri added.
The coaches of the two teams stated that women’s football is growing, and that spectators who have never watched a game should give it a try.
Borg said: “I believe we should pull the rope in one direction and help women’s football improve and gain more exposure.”
“The players make plenty of sacrifices, but I think that at the end of the day, it is important that on Monday we put up a great advert for the women’s game,” Vella remarked.
Be sure to secure your spot and come watch the Women’s Jubilee Cup Final on Monday 8th December, kicking off at 14:30hrs.