Hibernian Women are on the brink of a remarkable achievement as they prepare to face Rangers in the SWPL Cup final this Saturday, March 22, 2025. The match will take place at Fir Park, Motherwell, kicking off at 15:00 GMT.
Under the guidance of manager Grant Scott, Hibernian has turned a new leaf, claiming the top position in the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) after a stellar performance that included an impressive added-time winner against Glasgow City last weekend. Last season, the club stumbled to a fifth-place finish, trailing behind rivals Hearts by eight points and the league leaders by a staggering 36 points. Fast forward just ten months, and Hibernian now finds themselves two points clear of their long-standing adversaries, Rangers, boasting ambitions for their first piece of silverware since 2019, when they last lifted the SWPL Cup.
Scott expressed his determination to restore Hibernian Women to their competitive stature, asserting, “The aim, especially when I returned to the club and some of the players that we've brought in, was to get our women's side back to that level of competition. To compete deep into the competitions like that.” He firmly believes that a victory in the upcoming final would serve as a testament to the hard work that has been put into the team’s revival.
“I don’t think losing it has the [opposite effect], I still think we’ve done well to get where we are,” Scott continued, emphasizing that winning the final would validate their efforts and restore Hibernian to its rightful place in women's football.
Despite the optimism surrounding Hibernian, Scott is grounded in reality, recognizing the swift competitive evolution of the league. He noted, “I think looking too far ahead is dangerous because I think what we're doing this year is showing that we can compete.” His focus remains clear: Demonstrate that Hibernian can not only thrive this season but continue to adapt and grow in the face of intensifying competition.
On the other side of the pitch, Rangers manager Jo Potter remains acutely aware of the threat posed by Hibernian, particularly given their historic losses to them this season. Rangers suffered a 3-0 defeat to Hibs at Broadwood and managed only a 1-1 draw in their previous encounter. Potter stated, “We always knew that Hibs had that potential. What was more surprising for me is it's lasted so long, the consistency of it, which is great for them.”
Even though Rangers secured both the SWPL Cup and the Scottish Cup last season, the pressure is mounting as they seek to reclaim their status as the dominant force in Scottish women’s football. The team appears revitalized following the defeat against Hibernian just before Christmas, having since scored an impressive 43 goals across six league games, only dropping points once in a 2-2 draw with Hearts.
Potter emphasized her team’s ambition to complete a domestic treble this season, stating, “No matter if we want to get away from that fact we can’t because we’ll always hear about it.” With aspirations to achieve what they narrowly missed last year, Rangers are gearing up to thwart Hibernian’s growing momentum and reclaim the silverware they believe is rightfully theirs.
The SWPL Cup final between Hibernian and Rangers not only represents a significant moment in their rivalry but also a pivotal point in the trajectory of women's football in Scotland. The stakes are high as both teams strive to etch their names in history, with Hibernian seeking to solidify their resurgence and Rangers aiming to maintain their legacy.
Hibernian supporters are hoping for a triumphant return to winning ways, as Grant Scott aims to cultivate a lasting legacy for the women's side. If the team’s potential is realized on Saturday, it could signify the beginning of a new era for Hibernian Women, propelling them back into the competitive forefront of Scottish football.
As the clock ticks down to the kickoff, anticipation mounts for a match that is poised to be both thrilling and monumental in the evolution of the women's game in Scotland.
