Swieqi United FC Season 23/24
Seniors Men
Swieqi United had a mixed campaign in the BOV Challenge League 2023/24, experiencing both struggles and resurgence throughout the season. In the initial phase, the team (led by new manager Pablo Doffo) finished 9th, accumulating 21 points from 15 matches, with a record of 5 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses. While they managed to score 18 goals, they conceded 16, resulting in a slight positive goal difference of +2. Their performance during this stage was inconsistent, with key defeats such as a 0-2 loss to Attard and a 0-1 defeat against Tarxien, which highlighted the challenges they faced in establishing momentum.
However, the team saw a significant improvement in the Play-Out phase, where they topped the group with 38 points from 24 matches. Swieqi recorded 10 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses, scoring 34 goals and conceding 23, which improved their goal difference to +11. Their defensive discipline and ability to secure key victories, such as a 4-0 win over Lija Athletic and another 4-0 triumph against Luqa St. Andrew’s, played a crucial role in their turnaround. A 1-1 draw against Fgura United on April 26 secured their place at the top of the Play-Out standings, ensuring their participation in the league for another season.
While Swieqi United demonstrated defensive resilience during the Play-Out phase, consistency in attack remained a concern, as their total of 34 goals was lower than several mid-table teams. Despite this, their ability to deliver under pressure in decisive moments was evident, proving their potential for future success. Ultimately, Swieqi finished 9th in the regular season and 1st in the Play-Out phase, securing safety from relegation. Looking ahead, the team will aim to build on their defensive solidity while improving their attacking consistency to push for a higher finish next season.
Swieqi United also competed in the IZIBET FA Trophy 2023/24, where they had a promising start but were eliminated in the Round of 16. In the Preliminary Round, they secured a commanding 5-1 victory against St. George’s on December 13, demonstrating their attacking strength. Moving into the Round of 32, they continued their positive run with a 2-1 win over Luqa St. Andrew’s on January 14, advancing comfortably to the next stage. However, their journey came to an end in the Round of 16, where they faced Marsaxlokk on February 6 and suffered a 3-0 defeat, exiting the competition. Despite their early exit, their FA Trophy campaign provided valuable experience and showcased their ability to compete against strong opposition.
Overall, the 2023/24 season was a story of resilience and growth for Swieqi United. While the early struggles in the Challenge League tested their resolve, their impressive Play-Out phase ensured survival and highlighted their defensive improvement. In the FA Trophy, they showed glimpses of their potential but fell short against more experienced opponents. With continued development and a focus on offensive consistency, Swieqi United can aim for a more competitive showing in both league and cup competitions in the coming seasons.
U20s
Swieqi United Youth Team had an impressive campaign in the National Youth League Section B, finishing third with a total of 41 points from 22 games. The team recorded 13 wins, 2 draws, and 7 losses, scoring 60 goals while conceding 40, resulting in a +20 goal difference. Their strong attacking performances secured them a comfortable position among the top teams in the division. Swieqi United finished behind only Melita (60 points) and Floriana (56 points), two dominant sides that lost just two games combined throughout the season. Despite not being able to challenge for the title, Swieqi firmly established themselves as one of the league’s strongest teams, ensuring a top-three finish and solidifying their place as a competitive force in the division.
The team’s most dominant performance came in a 12-0 victory over Santa Lucia on April 30, showcasing their attacking capabilities. They also demonstrated their ability to capitalize against lower-ranked teams with 4-0 and 6-2 wins over Mqabba in September and February, respectively. Key victories against Sliema Wanderers (3-2 on April 2) and Zabbar St. Patrick (3-1 on April 9) were crucial in maintaining their place in the top three. However, the 1-7 defeat to Gzira on October 25 exposed defensive vulnerabilities, while competitive matches against top teams like Melita (3-5 loss on January 9) and Floriana (0-2 loss on January 16) showed that Swieqi was capable of challenging the best, even if results did not always go in their favor.
Swieqi United’s attacking strength was evident, as their 60 goals made them one of the most prolific teams in the league. While no individual player finished among the league’s top scorers, the team’s success was built on a balanced and collective attacking approach, with multiple contributors stepping up throughout the season.
Despite their strong offensive output, Swieqi United’s defensive stability remained an area for improvement, as their 40 goals conceded were higher than those of their main competitors. While they excelled against mid-table and lower-ranked teams, their difficulties against the top two sides suggest that tightening their defense could be key to future success.
Swieqi United ultimately finished third in the National Youth League Section B with 41 points, an excellent achievement behind two dominant teams. With slight defensive improvements, they could emerge as contenders for promotion next season, building on their solid performances and aiming for an even stronger campaign.
Seniors Women
Swieqi United Women had a strong and competitive season in the Assikura Women’s League 2023/24, finishing as runners-up in both the regular season and the Top 4 phase. In the first phase, the team secured second place with 33 points from 14 matches, recording 10 wins, three draws, and only one loss. Their attacking strength was evident as they scored 56 goals while maintaining a solid defensive record, conceding just six.
As the league progressed into the Top 4 phase, Swieqi United retained their second-place standing, accumulating a total of 46 points from 23 matches. They registered 14 wins, four draws, and five losses, with a goal tally of 74 for and 21 against, boasting a goal difference of +53. Despite their impressive performances, they finished behind league winners Birkirkara, who amassed 57 points, but ahead of Hibernians (41 points) and Mgarr United (36 points).
Throughout the season, Swieqi United showcased their strength in attack and defensive stability. They recorded dominant victories such as a 10-0 win against Mtarfa on November 11, while also securing crucial wins like the 1-0 triumph over Birkirkara on November 7, one of the few losses suffered by the eventual champions. However, key defeats, including a 0-3 loss to Birkirkara on March 14, proved decisive in the title race. A high-scoring 6-2 win over Hibernians on March 7 highlighted their offensive prowess, reinforcing their status as one of the league’s top teams.
The team demonstrated consistency and resilience, proving themselves to be strong title contenders. Their ability to balance attack and defense allowed them to maintain a dominant position in the league. However, challenges against Birkirkara, particularly in crucial fixtures, ultimately prevented them from clinching the top spot.
In summary, Swieqi United Women had an excellent campaign, cementing themselves as one of the strongest teams in the league. Their second-place finish in both the first and Top 4 phases underscores their competitiveness and potential for future success. With further improvements, particularly in high-pressure matches, they could challenge more effectively for the league title in the 2024/25 season.
U19 (Women)
Swieqi United Women’s Youth Team had a remarkable season in the Assikura National Women’s Youth League 2023/24, finishing as champions with an almost perfect record. They dominated the league, winning 19 out of 20 matches, drawing just once, and remaining unbeaten throughout the season. Their 83 goals scored and only 17 conceded reflected their attacking strength and solid defensive structure, ending with a 66-goal difference and accumulating 58 points, a staggering 16 points ahead of second-placed Valletta (42 points).
The team’s offensive power was evident in their high-scoring victories, including a 7-0 triumph over Hibernians on April 23 and a 7-1 victory against SKMM on March 12. They also secured crucial wins against their closest rivals, such as a 2-1 victory over Birkirkara on April 16 and a 5-2 away win against Valletta on September 12. Their defensive stability was highlighted by their numerous clean sheets, showing a well-balanced squad that dominated both ends of the pitch.
Swieqi United’s incredible league success carried over into the Assikura Women’s Youth Knock-Out competition, where they also clinched the title. In the final on May 12, they secured a 3-0 victory over Valletta, following a 2-0 semi-final win against Hibernians on May 8. Their 6-1 win over Birkirkara in the quarter-finals further underlined their supremacy in the competition.
The team’s attacking force was led by top scorers, with players ranking among the league’s highest goal-getters. Their consistency, depth, and tactical discipline played a major role in their success. Swieqi United’s dominance in both the league and cup showcases their rising status as the top youth team in Maltese women’s football. With a flawless season, they have set a high standard for the future, proving themselves as the best youth side in the country for 2023/24.
Youth FA (U17 and U15)
Swieqi United’s Under-17 and Under-15 teams experienced contrasting seasons in the BNF Youth Leagues, with the Under-15s claiming the league title, while the Under-17s faced a challenging campaign in Section C. The Under-17 squad finished 9th out of 10 teams, securing just four wins, three draws, and eleven losses across their 18 matches. Despite their struggles, they managed to score 23 goals, but their defense conceded 45, leading to a goal difference of -22 and a total of 15 points. While the team had some competitive moments, such as holding mid-table teams to draws, they ultimately found it difficult to keep up with the top sides. Gozo U-17 (49 points) and Zabbar St. Patrick U-17 (48 points) dominated the division, showcasing the level of competition Swieqi faced. Moving forward, improvements in both attacking efficiency and defensive stability will be crucial for the team’s growth.
In contrast, the Under-15 team had a phenomenal season, winning Section C with 48 points and finishing three points clear of second-placed Rabat Ajax U-15. Swieqi’s dominance was evident, with an impressive 16 wins from 18 matches, scoring 74 goals and conceding just 11. Their attacking prowess and defensive solidity led them to a goal difference of +63, highlighting their superiority over the competition. With standout performances throughout the season, Swieqi U-15 set themselves apart as the best team in their division, comfortably ahead of strong sides like Marsaskala U-15 (41 points) and Sliema Wanderers U-15 (36 points).
The contrasting performances of Swieqi’s Under-17 and Under-15 teams reflect both the challenges and successes within the club’s youth structure. While the Under-15s celebrated a dominant title-winning season, the Under-17s will look to rebuild and improve in the next campaign. With a promising young generation emerging, the club’s future in youth football remains bright.
U16 Girls
Swieqi United’s Under-16 Women’s Team had a competitive and promising season in the BNF Women’s Under-16 League 2023/24, finishing third in the Top 4 phase after a solid campaign. The team displayed strong performances throughout the season, both in the regular league and the knockout competition, demonstrating their ability to compete against the best teams in their category.
During the first phase of the league, Swieqi United finished fourth with 12 points from 8 matches, winning three, drawing three, and losing two. They scored 29 goals while conceding 14, ending with a +15 goal difference. Their performances secured them a spot in the Top 4 Championship Round, where they faced the best teams in the division.
In the Top 4 phase, Swieqi United remained competitive, finishing third with 22 points from 17 matches. The team recorded six wins, four draws, and seven losses, netting 47 goals while conceding 38, resulting in a +9 goal difference. While they put in strong performances, they were ultimately unable to challenge the dominant Hibernians, who won all their matches, finishing with 51 points. Swieqi had notable victories, including a 4-1 win over Lija Sliema on January 21 and a 4-3 thriller against Hibernians on March 17. However, key defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Birkirkara on February 4, prevented them from finishing higher in the standings.
Their knockout campaign ended in the quarter-finals, where they faced Valletta and suffered a 4-1 defeat on January 28, cutting short their hopes of silverware. Despite this setback, the team’s league performances were impressive, showing growth and improvement over the season.
Overall, Swieqi United proved to be a competitive side, consistently performing well against strong opposition. Their third-place finish in the Top 4 phase reflects progress and potential for future success. With a talented squad and further development, they can aim for an even stronger campaign next season and push for higher placements in both the league and knockout competitions.
