After an unexpected eight-month wait due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020/21 BOV Women’s League kicks off today. Champions Birkirkara start as favourites to retain the title as they launch their quest for a fifth straight championship. Led by Melania Bajada, the Stripes take on potential challengers in Swieqi United in the highlight match of the week, being played on Wednesday at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 20.30).
Unlike in the past three seasons, Birkirkara did not open their new campaign with the traditional UEFA Women’s Champions League mini-group qualifiers due the coronavirus. The Stripes will be in action on November 3 or 4 in a single-leg first qualifying round tie with the draw set to take place October 22. The Stripes were one of the least active teams in the market as they have largely kept faith with last year’s squad which includes a core of Malta national players –goalkeeper Janice Xuereb, defenders Stephania Farrugia, Ann-Marie Said, Alishia Sultana and versatile player Gabriella Zahra who can play in defence and midfield, and young midfielder Veronique Mifsud who is also captain of their U-19 team. Swieqi United, for their part, finished third in their best ever season in the top flight during the 2019/2020 campaign. The Oranges will be looking to improve on last year’s progress while aiming to step up their title bid and challenge Birkirkara’s dominance. Keith Gouder’s team boasts a mix of youth and experienced players. Malta captain Dorianne Theuma is one of their main stalwarts alongside fellow internationals Charlene Zammit, newcomer Shona Zammit and Jade Flask. The other title challengers, Mġarr United, open their new season with a match against Mosta at the Centenary Stadium, this evening (kick-off: 20.30). Spearheaded by the 26 goals of Haley Bugeja, the Greens managed to finish second in the 2019/20 campaign. Bugeja may have left to seek pastures new at Sassuolo but coach Patrick Curmi still has a solid squad to rely on, including captain Brenda Borg and returning players Emma Zammit, Yolande Attard and Francesca Chircop. Last season, Mosta chalked up only eight points and heading into the campaign, Ray Sant’s team will be eyeing improvement. The Blues have brought in goalkeeper Maria Xuereb and Kylie Pantalleresco, both of whom having had spells at Mosta in the past. Elsewhere, Kirkop United will take on the newcomers for the 2020/21 season Mtarfa at the Mġarr Ground this evening (kick-off: 20.30). Coached by former Birkirkara and Hibernians coach Shawn Meilak, Mtarfa will be making their first appearance in the top flight after featuring in the U-15 and U-19 leagues. During the transfer window, they assembled a squad with a number of youth and experienced players. Kirkop United, on their side, will be under the guidance of coach Jochen Lenders who, over the past two seasons, served as assistant coach to Kenneth Constantino, who is now the Technical Director of the women’s club. The Reds have been the most active team in the market after Mtarfa, having signed eight players in Rodianne Zerafa, Hermoine Micallef, Sarah Urpani, Thea Difesa, Samantha Zarb, Rossella D’Antuono, Nicole Zammit and Rosalie Borg. MD1 bye - Raiders Għargħur. For more information about the MFA Women’s Department, follow MFA Women’s Football on Facebook.