Archives

Theuma reflects on amazing journey after reaching 100 caps

Published: 16-03-2020 09:40
image1 (102)
image2 (33)
Malta women’s team captain Dorianne Theuma has reached an important milestone in her career after becoming the first Maltese female player to make 100 international appearances for the national team. Theuma earned her 100th cap in Malta’s 3-2 defeat against Bosnia & Herzegovina in a UEFA Women’s EURO qualifier, played on March 10 at the Centenary Stadium, joining Joe Brincat, Carmel Busuttil, David Carabott, Michael Mifsud, Gilbert Agius and Roderick Briffa in FIFA’s Century Club. The Swieqi United player has been representing Malta since the women’s national team made its international bow – a UEFA European qualifier away at Romania on August 10, 2003. “Even by just thinking about it, it gives me goosebumps,” Theuma told www.mfa.com.mt. “I have been involved in almost every international match and this achievement has made me reflect on all the experiences I’ve been through and the progress made by the women’s football movement in Malta.” Theuma was still 18 when she turned out for Malta against Romania in 2003. At that time, the East Europe nation was already established in the women’s game and for the then Hibernians player, this was an overwhelming experience. “The Romania game was an overwhelming experience for the entire team,” she said. “I still remember the moment we stepped on to the field for the warm-up, we were nervous watching our opponents at the other end of the field. “Pierre Brincat, our coach at that time, had to shout at us to shake off our nerves and focus on this game.” Theuma also recalled the moments when they shared the field with some of the best teams in the world, namely England and Spain during the 2009 European qualifiers. "Facing the likes of England and Spain was a dream for us,” the former Hibernians and Mosta player said. “In facing The Lionesses for example, we came across players like Fara Williams (former Liverpool, now Reading) and Kelly Smith (former Arsenal) while against Spain we encountered big names like Veronique Boquete (former PSG, Bayern and now at Utah Royals) and Marta Torrejon (now at Barcelona).” Theuma explained that the national team has always been a source of motivation for her to keep going, even when she was sidelined with injuries. She acknowledges the levels and demands have increased in recent years but at the same time, Theuma feels that she still has a lot to offer to the game. GRATITUDETheuma’s 100-match occasion is indeed a special moment in the Maltese game because she has been at the heart of the women's game for all these years, serving as a player and as captain and inspiring the next generations. “What makes this moment special for me is not the 100th game in itself, but the journey I had,” Theuma explained. “The ups and downs I had makes this moment much sweeter."