Mġarr United and Hibernians will meet on Monday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm) in the special-edition Malta FA Jubilee Cup Final, the first event in a full day of celebrations marking the association’s 125th anniversary.

The match will be played at the National Stadium, a rare and prestigious stage for the women’s domestic game. It will be the first women’s club final at Ta’ Qali since the 2019 Super Cup between Birkirkara and Mġarr, and the second women’s fixture hosted there this year after Malta’s promotion-clinching 1–0 victory over Cyprus in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

“A Final on the Biggest Stage” – Coaches Share Their Views

Mġarr coach Ryan Vella emphasised the significance of the occasion, saying the atmosphere will naturally heighten the stakes for both teams:

“A final always brings pressure, but playing at the National Stadium makes it even more special. There will be more eyes on the game, and it’s an experience outside our day-to-day reality. The players are excited for it.”

Hibernians coach Martina Borg, also enthusiastic, added that her squad is embracing the stage despite the unusual conditions:

“We are really looking forward to this opportunity. Playing at the National Stadium is something special for all of us. It’s different from what we’re used to, but the team is motivated to give its maximum.”

Road to the Final

All six sides in the Assikura Women’s League took part in this one-off competition. Mġarr and Hibernians both entered at the semi-final stage after receiving byes.

• Mġarr booked their place with a victory over Swieqi United.
• Hibernians progressed after eliminating Birkirkara.

The final brings together two teams already locked in a strong league battle. Mġarr top the standings with a perfect run of nine wins in nine matches, while Hibernians sit eight points behind.

Tactical Match-up Between Familiar Rivals

Hibernians coach Borg noted her opponents’ strengths:

“Mġarr are very fast in transition and play directly into their pacey forward line. They are also compact defensively, so we must remain patient and choose our moments wisely.”

Although Mġarr remain unbeaten in the league, their only defeat this season came in the Super Cup final, where Swieqi emerged victorious. Vella believes that loss may have ultimately benefitted his squad:

“We carried over consistency from last season. We kept our core, added young talent, and after the Super Cup defeat, the squad bonded even more. That helped set the tone for the league.”

The two sides have already met once this season, with Amber Grech scoring the winner for Mġarr. Remarkably, they will face each other again in league action just four days after the final — a match that could have major title implications even with the season still in its early stages.

Pitch Conditions and Surface Concerns

Vella acknowledged that the natural grass surface at the National Stadium presents a challenge:

“It will be a bit of a disadvantage for us because we’re not used to playing on natural grass, unlike Hibs who train weekly on it. But opportunities like this don’t come often. Our goal is to work hard, give a strong performance, and help elevate women’s football. Hopefully, these matches become more common at the National Stadium.”

Borg agreed that the pitch may influence the match:

“It’s the biggest stage locally, but the pitch is larger than what we typically play on. We do not often play on natural grass either, so it could impact intensity and our style.”

Squad Depth and New Arrivals

Mġarr have shown substantial growth under Vella, winning last season’s Assikura Women’s Knock-Out — their first major honour in the women’s game — also against Hibernians. Their success is built on continuity, with new additions like Josline N’Guessan contributing strongly. N’Guessan leads the club’s scoring with seven goals, followed closely by Maria Hernandez and Valeria Villegas on six each.

The return of seasoned midfielder Brenda Borg, who recently reached her 80th cap for Malta, has further strengthened the squad.

Hibernians have also reinforced midway through the season, most notably with the arrival of Uganda international Sylivia Kabene, already on six goals for the Paolites.

This season marks Martina Borg’s debut campaign as a senior-team coach. Reflecting on her transition from player to coach, she said:

“It has been challenging but rewarding. The players are special, committed, and eager to learn. They’ve made my transition easier, and I’m grateful for the chance to coach this group.”

Football Video Support (FVS) to Be Used for the First Time in a Women’s Match

For the first time in Maltese women’s football, the final will feature Football Video Support (FVS) — a review system already used in the men’s domestic competitions.

FVS will be available for:

• Goal / no-goal situations
• Penalty decisions
• Direct red cards
• Cases of mistaken identity

Teams may request a review under specific guidelines, with two permitted per match during this trial phase. Decisions are only overturned if the video footage provides clear and obvious evidence of an error.

The introduction of FVS adds another historic dimension to a final already rich in significance.

The stage is set for a landmark showdown: two in-form teams, a prestigious venue, new technology, and the opening act of the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary celebrations. Monday’s match promises not only a trophy, but a milestone moment for the women’s game in Malta.