Rachel Cuschieri proud to mark century of games for Malta

Rachel Cuschieri became Malta women’s third player to make 100 appearances for the senior side after featuring in the League B finale against giants Portugal.

The former Birkirkara captain has now joined Dorianne Theuma, now retired, and defender Stephania Farrugia, in the Century Club which awaits Charlene Zammit, who is one game away from the 100th cap milestone.

For Cuschieri, this is another individual milestone in an illustrious career which saw her become the first Maltese women’s player to land a professional contract when she joined Cyprus’ Apollon Limassol in 2014.

She made her national team debut in a 0-0 draw against Switzerland, a 2007 international friendly. From then onwards, Cuschieri established herself as a pivotal figure inside the Maltese side for whom she scored 14 goals.

Unthinkable

Looking back at her career, Cuschieri said that she has never thought about this particular moment.

“Making my 100th  appearance means I am getting old as well, since we do not play a lot of matches with the national team,” she told the Times of Malta.

“I am truly honoured and proud to have made it so far as it is always a privilege to play for your country.”

Now 32, Cuschieri has played for five clubs in four different countries, making over 200 appearances.

After her three-year spell at Apollon Limassol (54 goals in 61 matches), with whom she won every domestic silverware while playing in the Women’s Champions League as well, Cuschieri moved to Belgium where she donned the colours of Anderlecht where she played on 15 occasions, scoring three goals.

After a single year, she embarked in the Netherlands where she played with another home giant, in PSV Eindhoven – three goals as well, this time in 18 matches.

Since season 2020/2021, Cuschieri has been playing in Italy where she spent a couple of years at Lazio with whom she won the Serie B title.

In the last couple of years, the Malta international has been playing with Sampdoria but is now looking for a new chapter in her football career but has yet to decide where.

“Honestly, I have no idea where I will be playing next season for now,” she said.