The Malta Independent on Sunday
"My objective is that of putting into practice what I have learnt as a player into coaching" - Andrew Cohen
Recently Gżira United midfielder Andrew Cohen chalked up his 500th appearance in the BOV Premier League – a milestone which Andrew himself never thought of achieving some years ago.
Andrew, now 39 years of age, made his debut on 15 February, 2000, donning his first club's jersey - that of Hibernians in a 1-1 draw against Gozo FC. The former Malta international went on to play 424 matches for the Paolites and 76 for the Maroons, scoring 149 goals in the process . Cohen celebrated his 500th top flight appearance this season with a goal from the penalty spot in his side's recent 6-1 win over Mosta - getting his total of goals scored from the penalty spot to 33 - the first one scored on 15 April, 2003 against Marsaxlokk.
When in May of 2018, Cohen himself scaled the Mediterranean Conference Centre podium steps to collect the iconic MFA Footballer of the Year Award trophy from MFA President Norman Darmanin Demajo and the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sports and Voluntary Organisations Dr. Clifton Grima, he was doing so for a record fourth time - this time representing Gzira United.
He won the accolade in 200405, 2005-06, and 2014-15 donning the colours of his former club Hibernians.
Capped 61 times for Malta, An
drew played a key role in his club's march to securing a historic UEFA Europa League place that season, finishing a surprising third.
The Malta Independent caught up with Andrew to talk about his milestone and other topics.
"To be honest this milestone was in the back of my mind from last season, when as you know the Premier League went into a tilt due to COVID-19 health measures. Of course putting my name on the scoresheet on such a memorable occasion made this all complete. Sort of the cherry on the cake. I am now on 149 goals so I only need a goal to go to 150."
"I never thought of chalking up 500 appearances. If you had to ask me three years ago I would not have thought of it but thanks God I have been free of injuries and psychically fit to reach this milestone."
"Regarding my career I can say that I have had a very satisfactory one during which I have won all the major honours both on a team and individual level. My two remaining objectives are that of scoring another goal to round up to 150 goals in Malta's top flight division and that of winning a major honour with Gzira United."
"As you may well know for these last three and a half years at Gzira United I have been assistant playing coach to our head coach Darren Abdilla. I already hold coaching licences and I am focusing well within this sector thanks to Darren himself who is helping me a lot. My objective is that of going into coaching, and putting into practice everything that I have learnt as a player and from all the coaches I have played with into coaching" concluded Cohen.