SWPL Cup semi-finals: Celtic managerial debut in derby, record winners Hibs face Thistle

Celtic have a new head coach. Rangers are defending the trophy. Hibernian are the most successful side in the competition.

The semi-finals of the SWPL Cup are not lacking in storylines.

A place in the first final of the Scottish women’s football season is up for grabs this weekend, kicking off with an Old Firm derby live on BBC Alba on Friday night.

It’s a baptism of fire for Elena Sadiku, the 30-year-old Swede, who is the first female to lead Celtic and has set her sights on emulating icon Henrik Larsson’s success in Glasgow.

She’ll go toe to toe with Jo Potter, who is yet to put a foot wrong as Rangers head coach, with the league leaders the only unbeaten side left in the top flight.

Then, on Sunday, an intriguing battle will commence at Petershill as Brian Graham’s impressive Partick Thistle welcome seven-time winners Hibernian.

‘Maybe I can become the queen of queens?’

Sadiku’s name is already etched in the Celtic history books by her mere appointment, but she has big plans of adding to the storied success tales of the club.

A self-declared passionate, hard-working and challenge-seeking coach, the Swede is under no illusions of the task that lies ahead at “a club where you need to win”.

She grew up idolising Larsson – Celtic’s ‘king of kings’ who netted 242 goals during his memorable seven-year stay – and now has designs on making a lasting impression of her own.

“He was my role model when I was young and he was playing at Celtic, so I know all about his time here,” said Sadiku.

“The king of kings, right? Maybe I can become the queen of queens?

“I like challenges. I would rather be challenged than be comfortable. Two of the best teams in the league [in the semi-final], I am just really excited.”

While wrestling back the League Cup is the first challenge, her sights are set on the one trophy that has eluded Celtic so far.

“I have already written history in this club by being the first women’s coach,” she added. “The next piece of history would be great to win the league with this club.”

In pole position to do that right now, though, are Rangers.

Three points clear at the top of the table in an unbeaten start, with Friday’s semi-final on the horizon, it’s not been bad going for Potter at the helm.

After failing to retain their league title, and losing manager Malky Thomson, it was a summer of change, but one done so seamlessly so far, to a degree that has even surprised Potter.

“We are miles ahead of where I thought we would be, so it is all credit to the players,” the 39-year-old said.

“They have to go out there and bring my way to life and they have absolutely been doing that.”

The former England international has brought, among other things, an evident freedom to their play. Eighty-five goals have been scored, including 10 last weekend against Dundee United, but more notably, Rangers have impressively overcome both Celtic and reigning champions City with relative comfort.

However, Potter won’t be sucked into believing her side are clear-cut favourites.

“We could [have that edge over Celtic] with the league position and the victory last time,” she said. “But sometimes being the underdog is the best position to be in because you have nothing to lose.

“We know we have won nothing right now. The way I see it is this is a Rangers v Celtic game and anything can happen.”

‘There is no way I could get to a final, then not be able to go’

The spotlight might be largely directed at Friday night’s encounter, but that is nothing Thistle nor Hibernian are not used to.

Flying under the radar has its benefits at times, but as his part-time Thistle side prepare for Sunday’s semi-final, Brian Graham wouldn’t mind a little more attention coming their way.

Graham, who is also the men’s team captain, has a “gripe” with the scheduling for the SWPL Cup final. It is scheduled to be played on Saturday, 23 March at 15:00 GMT. The same time he is set to face Arbroath in the Scottish Championship.

“They know I am the manager and captain of the men’s first team side, I’ve got a game that day. Are they just dismissing our chances of getting to a final because we’re part-time? Who comes up with that?” he told BBC Scotland.

“It’s going to be an interesting semi-final. If we get to the final, that is another hurdle we are going to have to cross with the SWPL board because the game will need to be moved.

“There is no way I could get my club to a cup final, then not be able to go.”

Graham, who led his side to a top-six finish last term, has already got the better of the experienced Grant Scott this season when Thistle beat Hibs 2-0.

Scott was left scratching his head at that “anomaly” of a result, but is more surprised by the lack of praise directed Thistle’s way.

“Thistle aren’t getting the credit they deserve,” said Scott, who previously won the Cup double with Hibs.

“The home pitch helps them, they are dogged in their work but have some really good players now and credit to Brian. They are a force to be reckoned with.”

Hibs aren’t so bad themselves, having netted 14 times in their first two games of 2024. However, the 50-year-old is expecting a much tighter affair come Sunday.

“Winning, scoring goals, and keeping clean sheets are all good habits and it improves the morale,” he said.

“But we can’t take too much from our form because, with respect, Partick are a step up in level of opponent than the last couple of games.”