Stand-in captain and veteran defender Allyson Swaby expressed her excitement about rejoining the Reggae Girlz squad and facing the formidable Brazilian team.
The first of two international friendlies against the number-10 ranked Brazil was played on Saturday, with the South Americans running out easy 4-0 winners in the absence of Swaby.
“I’m really excited to be back with the group as it’s been a while since some of us were able to represent Jamaica,” Swaby stated. “Playing an opponent like Brazil is an exciting task.”
Swaby, who currently plays in the Italian Serie A for AC Milan, highlighted the importance of matches against high-caliber opponents like Brazil. She emphasized that these games will enhance the Jamaican senior women’s team’s performance on the pitch. Moreover, she noted the significance of Brazil choosing to play against the Reggae Girlz as they prepare for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
Better competition will help us
“I think the better competition will help us,” Swaby explained. “The more we can get games against really quality opposition, the better we will be in the long run. It’s massive to play a team like Brazil and to know that they feel like we’re a good team for them to prepare against to send them off to the Olympics.”
Swaby acknowledged that the current mindset of the team is different from when they last played Brazil during the 2023 World Cup. She stressed the need for the team to gel properly and focus on major upcoming tournaments.
“We can’t be naïve as this group of players hasn’t been together for a while. Therefore, the expectations are a bit different,” she noted. “I think it’s now to find the groove again and look at the big picture of the World Cup in another three years. We have to make sure that we’re building so that when we arrive there, we are where we want to be when it gets to that bit of qualifying.”
14-game winless streak
Despite the Reggae Girlz being on a 14-game winless streak, Swaby remains undeterred, emphasizing the team’s broader objectives.
“It’s less about the results in this moment in time and more about being able to establish a real identity for ourselves,” Swaby said.
The Reggae Girlz are determined to use these matches against Brazil as a stepping stone to refine their skills and enhance their team cohesion, aiming for better outcomes in future major tournaments.
