Head coach Hubert Busby Jr has named a seasoned 20-member Reggae Girlz squad for Jamaica’s upcoming international friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on October 28 in Port of Spain.
The line-up will be anchored by defensive stalwart Allyson Swaby and veteran goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer, while rising stars Jody Brown, Kayla McKenna, and Shania Hayles are expected to lead the attacking charge.
There’s also a fresh face in the mix — defender Tianna Harris of Portuguese club Damaiense, who earns her first senior call-up — along with Jaileah McPherson, captain of Jamaica’s U20 team, who continues her integration into the senior setup.
Key stars missing — and why
Several marquee players, including Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, Drew Spence, and Trudy Carter, will be absent for this match due to health and availability concerns.
Spence and Carter were both ruled out through injury. “Drew picked up a knock last week,” Busby explained. “Tottenham informed us they would be holding her out, and we hope she’ll be ready for the next round. Trudy was also in the squad, but she picked up a knock as well.”
The most notable omission, however, is that of Shaw, whose absence was a mutual decision involving Manchester City, the Jamaica Football Federation, and Shaw herself.
“Last week I was in Manchester and had a good conversation with Bunny and her group — her physio, our medical team — and we decided to keep her out of this round,” Busby shared. “The concern is the potential condition of the pitches and other factors we might face. Rather than risk it all in what is, after all, a friendly, we agreed it’s best she stays in Manchester, monitors her progress, and rejoins us for the Concacaf W Qualifiers.”
Busby noted that “some information remains private between Man City and ourselves,” but emphasized the decision was guided by long-term fitness priorities rather than immediate availability.
Collegiate contingent also unavailable
The team will also be without several players based in the United States collegiate system. After discussions with their universities, the federation agreed not to call them up given their ongoing seasons, upcoming tournaments, and academic demands.
“As far as the college players are concerned, they’re in the midst of their season and heading into tournament play,” Busby said. “We’ve taken into account their incredible scholastic workload as well.”
Building on familiar foundations
Despite the absences, Busby expressed full confidence in his “core group” — a collection of players who have been central to the team’s development over the past year.
“There’s a strong core of players who have been with this group for a while now,” he explained. “We’ve used opportunities like this to maintain that core whenever others aren’t available due to injury or personal reasons. It’s allowed us to keep building consistency within the program.”
He added that the recent expansion of the player pool has given Jamaica greater depth and flexibility, ensuring the team can still compete strongly even when key players are unavailable.
Eyes on the bigger picture
The friendly against Trinidad will serve as a vital tune-up for next month’s Concacaf W Qualifiers, where Jamaica has been drawn in Group B alongside Guyana, Nicaragua, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda.
While Shaw’s absence may draw headlines, Busby’s focus remains firmly on continuity, chemistry, and preparation. “This game is about reinforcing our identity,” he said. “The players we have are ready to step up, and this camp gives us another chance to strengthen the foundation that carries us forward.”
Full Squad: Goalkeepers – Rebecca Spencer, Sydney Schneider; Defenders – Allyson Swaby, Tianna Harris, Konya Plummer, Chantelle Swaby, Tiffany Cameron, Gabrielle Gayle; Midfielders – Sade Adamoluken, Jaileah McPherson, Deniesha Blackwood, Izzy Groves, Atlanta Primus, Vyan Sampson; Forwards – Kayla McKenna, Natasha Thomas, Shania Hayles, Jody Brown, Njeri Butts, Kiki Van Zanten.
