'I believe we are the best team' - Rachel Cuschieri

by Ayrton Galea - 26th March 2013

Less then twenty-four hours after the Birkirkara Women's Team moved to the top of the table joint with Mosta, in this week's interview we decided to interview one of the key members of the Women's, the National team player, Rachel Cuschieri.

Not a new name for most, Rachel managed to establish herself as one of the best, if not the best local Women footballer as her speed and superb technique often makes it almost impossible for the defenders to deal with.

After suffering an injury, Rachel made her return at the start of the Championship Pool, when the Stripes defeated Hibernians with a 3-1 score. Yesterday, Rachel added her name once again to the scoring sheet, as she netted another two goals to add her tally to 22 goals. This makes her as Birkirkara's top scorer

With Rachel, we talked about her rehab following the injury and the Women's Team chances to regain the league Championship besides other interesting topics.

Who is Rachel Cuschieri?

My name is Rachel Cuschieri, I'm from Kappara and I'm 20 years old. I love to joke, to be there for my friends and to make them laugh and feel good.

How do you spend your regular days?

When I'm not working I'm either practicing football or having a good time with my friends.

How do you spend your weekends?

I normally work at weekends, however, sometimes I go out having a quiet drink with my friends.

What is your favourite kind of music?

I love R'n'B and commercial music.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

'Follow your dreams.'

Do you follow international football? If yes, which is your favourite nation when it comes to football, and which is your favourite club?

My favourite club is Liverpool and my favourite nation is England.

What are your main hobbies besides football?

Watching films.

How did your love for football begin? At what age did you start playing football?

My love for football began at the age of 5 years as I used to see my elder brothers playing football all the time.

How hard do you find it to balance work, football and personal life? How much sacrifice is involved?

I arrange my working shift according to my training and usually I have to work long hours so than I can have time for football.

It is well known that women's football in Malta has an amateur status, in the sense that players do not get paid. What do you think about this?

The fact that we don't get paid, goes to show how much we are dedicated and love the sport.

In your opinion, how could women's football improve?

Improving the nurseries and exposure for women football to attract more new comers to the sport.

Besides being a Birkirkara FC player, you also form part of the National Squad. When you were called up to the National Squad for the first time? Do you remember your first match with the squad?

I was called up at the age of 14 with National Squad and I played my first game at the age of 15, and I think it was against Switzerland.

You are regarded by many as one of the best female footballers on the island. What in your opinion is the key that leads to success?

Train hard, always listen to advice from the coaches, always wanting to learn more and dedication.

Can you tell us your all time favourite match and your all time favourite goal? Can you describe it?

I have many favourite goals but the one that tops it for me is against Armenia when I scored my first freekick in front of our home fans.

Following an injury, and an operation you made your return in the last game against Hibernians. What is your condition? Are you fully fit?

My condition is improving day by day and in time I will be fully fit.

How is the atmosphere in the dressing room? Who is the joker in the dressing room?

There are many jokers in our team like Maryrose, Gabriella, Kelly, Rosanne and myself.

Do you really believe that we can win the Championship for the second consecutive year?

I believe we are the best team and we have a good chance.

What is the secret for success? How much do you believe that you and your team-mates can achieve the Club's targets?

Staying together, working hard for one to another.

comments powered by Disqus