Janice R. Andrews
After an exciting turn of events in the SWPL Cup semi-finals, there is a lot of enthusiasm in the Scottish women’s football landscape. On Friday night, the Old Firm derby took front stage as Celtic made their management debut with new head coach Elena Sadiku, who is expected to be a trial by fire. Thirty-year-old Sadiku is a Swede who wants to make her mark in Glasgow, emulating Celtic legend Henrik Larsson.
Jo Potter, the unbeaten head coach of the league-leading Rangers, will present a difficult challenge to Sadiku when they play the defending trophy winners, the Rangers.
Meanwhile, Hibernian and Partick Thistle, the seven-time SWPL Cup winners, will square off in an exciting semi-final match on Sunday at Petershill. A interesting twist to the tale is that, should Thistle advance, manager Brian Graham (who also serves as the men’s team captain) may not be in the dugout because he is slated to play for the men’s squad.
“Perhaps I could become the queen of queens?”
Making history with her hiring as Celtic’s first female head coach, Elena Sadiku is keen to build on the team’s achievements. Drawing inspiration from Larsson, Sadiku conveyed her enthusiasm for the task and her desire to become the “queen of queens.”
Conversely, Rangers’ head coach Jo Potter emphasised the unpredictability of an Old Firm derby while downplaying her team’s obvious edge.
While the focus is primarily on Friday’s match, Partick Thistle and Hibernian are preparing for their Sunday encounter. Brian Graham, the manager of Thistle, expressed his worries on the schedule clash with the men’s team, but he is still focused on the semi-final. Thistle’s previous victory over Hibs has drawn attention, as Hibs boss Grant Scott has acknowledged Thistle’s abilities.
The Scottish women’s football season is likely to include fierce competitions, surprising turns, and a desire for triumph as the SWPL Cup semi-finals play out.
