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Champions Birkirkara out to complete league and cup double

Published: 17-05-2017 12:30
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The 2016/17 women’s football season comes to a close on Wednesday evening when newly-crowned champions Birkirkara take on fellow Division One side Kirkop United in the final of the Women's Knock-Out at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off 20.00). Boosted by their championship success, the Stripes are aiming to win a domestic double. Determined to end what has been a brilliant season on a high, Birkirkara coach Shawn Meilak believes that this final will again underline his club’s hunger for success but warned his players not to underestimate their opponents. “In the semi-final against Hibernians, the squad remained fully concentrated after celebrating the league success in Gozo,” Meilak told www.mfa.com.mt. “Naturally, we are the favourites on paper but we respect our opponents.’’ Undoubtedly, wing-back Alishia Sultana has been one of Birkirkara’s top players this season and, for the first time, has reached double figures with 11 goals scored. “This was a successful season where collectively we’ve managed to win the league,” Sultana said. “With hard work and determination, we have reached the final stage of this competition. “Teamwork has been the main factor behind our good run and this final is a very important fixture for us. We hope to seal the double and win all local competitions.’’ On the other hand, Kirkop are appearing in their first cup final, extending what has been a remarkable season for them. KIRKOP PROGRESSCoach Kevin Ellul, who has overseen the progress and development of Kirkop United as a team, is looking forward to the KO final. “For our club, this is already a milestone since it is our first ever final appearance,” Ellul said. “It took us 10 seasons to arrive here. I take the opportunity to congratulate our players for their efforts in a long and exhausting season where we have shown our quality. “This has been our best season ever in the top tier and we have a relatively young squad with an average age of 21. Eighteen players from 20 are homegrown.’’ Kirkop’s progress is also proving beneficial for the Maltese game as most of their Maltese players are also representing the country in different age groups. Nonetheless, Kirkop’s positive campaign is also down to the experience added by their Estonian midfielder Liis Pello. ‘’It is a big accomplishment for our club to be in this final,” Pello said. “The atmosphere in the team is great, and we are looking forward to the final. The team has worked hard all season. “We will give our best to finish this season on a high.’’