Last season, Depiro had a statement summer with numerous important signings which raised their profile within the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League. With a year under their belt, the team now led by coach Julian Naudi will aim to reap as many rewards as possible after winning the season’s opening game and lifting the women’s Super Cup on Sunday.
On Sunday, Depiro powered past Caffe Moak Luxol at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion for a 76-59 finish to get their revenge after last season’s finals where the team suffered a stunning comeback from Luxol, then led by Santino Coppa.
Speaking to Malta Basketball, coach Naudi, who took over the reins after Adrian Baldacchino, who led the team to a Knockout trophy last season but has since moved to new side Athleta over the summer, said his team’s motivation was key to such a good start.
“Last season the girls took a bit of a hit the way they lost the finals,” Naudi said, “so motivation was strong to do well and show we can compete.
“It was important that we get off on a good start for their confidence going into the season.”
In July, Naudi’s appointment was part of the many changes made over the summer by the Mtarfa with the former youth coach handed a promotion to the senior team. Since then, he has integrated some of these youths into his team, some of whom impacted the Super Cup as well on Sunday.
Asked about preseason, Naudi said it was a race to fit everything in before the season’s opener as well as their challenge to battle past the ‘favourites’ tag this season.
“First of all, it was interesting for me getting to know the girls and seeing how focused and hard-working they are,” he explained, “but it was also busy trying to fit in all the aspects of the team in a short time before the first game. But as it seems we did a decent job.
“There have been changes and I think we still have to see the rest on court to get a clear idea. But I think we can definitely compete for every award this year. So, I guess our target is to keep up the hard work and win as many trophies as we deserve.”
Apart from the youth element brought into the team, Depiro also signed US import player Jensen Caretti in August and fans got to see her in action on her debut in the Super Cup.
Caretti and Julia Borg led the stat charts on the day with a double-double for each player and both tied on a game-high 21 points. Caretti led the boards with 12 rebounds as her athletic nature came to the fore. Naudi lauded her effect on the team and believes this is just the beginning.
“Jensen (Caretti) is great!” He said.
“She has gelled with the team immediately and is a really good character to have in the team. I think with this game, she has only just started showing what she can do and can be even better going forward.”
