Birkirkara girls in Slovenia tournament
Birkirkara, winners of the women’s championship last season, are in Slovenia looking forward for their participation in the qualifying round of the 2017/18 UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The Stripes have been drawn against ZNK Olimpija Ljubljana, FC Minsk, of Belarus, and Swiss giants FC Zurich Fraeun in Group 6, with the games being played between today and next Monday.
Melania Bajada is overseeing Birkirkara’s preparations for their Champions League games after succeeding Shawn Meilak as coach.
The 2016/17 double winners meet FC Minsk in their opening match today at 5.15pm and, on Friday, play their second match, against FC Zurich (1pm).
The Birkirkara girls conclude their commitments with a match against hosts Olimpija Ljubljana on Monday, 28 August (kick-off 5pm).
This is the fifth time Birkirkara are representing Malta in the most prestigious competition in women’s football.
ZNK Olimpija Ljubljana are making their debut in this competition after winning the Slovenian championship last season, bringing to an end Pomurje’s run of five straight titles.
Belarus’ representatives, FC Minsk, are an experienced team who have taken part in this competition several times. Last season, FC Minsk progressed past the group stage but were eventually eliminated by Spanish giants Barcelona.
FC Zurich are the favourites to qualify from this group as they have regularly reached the final stages of the competition over the past few years.
The winner of each group and the second-ranked side with the best record against the teams placed first and third in their group go through to the round of 32.
Bajada has called up the following squad:
Janice Xuereb, Gabriella Zahra, Ann-Marie Said, Kim Parnis, Stephania Farrugia, Samantha Zarb, Mariah Sciberras, Tracy Teuma, Alishia Sultana, Sarah Urpani, Nina Dimech, Raina Giusti, Maria Fenech, Veronique Mifsud, Yasmeen Vella, Michela Felice, Nicole Zammit, Kelly Agius Pace, Sonia Schembri.