Jamaica’s senior women’s football team, the Reggae Girlz, is gearing up to face Chile in two friendly matches scheduled for later this month, presenting Head Coach Xavier Gilbert with an opportunity to assess and motivate the youthful squad.
With the absence of all the players from the 2023 FIFA World Cup squad due to an unresolved impasse between the players and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Gilbert sees the upcoming friendlies as a chance for the selected players to exhibit their skills on the international stage.
The team, comprised mostly of players who participated in the previous CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers, welcomes the inclusion of Jade Bailey and Naya Cardoza. Bailey, who has returned from injury after signing with the London City Lionesses, adds experience to the squad, while Cardoza, a rising talent from the National Under-17 team, makes her debut for the senior side.
Coach Gilbert expressed confidence in the young squad, emphasizing the importance of seizing the opportunity to showcase their talents against a competitive team like Chile. He sees the matches as a platform for the players to represent their country effectively and leave a lasting impression.
This will be the second friendly series between Jamaica and Chile since their 2019 encounter, with Chile emerging victorious in their most recent meeting at the Pan American Games last year.
Despite the challenges, Gilbert remains proud to serve his country and is determined to lead the team to success. He acknowledges the strength of the Chilean team but stresses the significance of representing Jamaica with pride and commitment.
The squad comprises a mix of domestic and international-based players, reflecting the growing talent pool within Jamaican women’s football. As they prepare to face Chile, Coach Gilbert’s guidance and the players’ determination will be key in their quest for success on the international stage.
SQUAD: Theana Burnett (Sacred Heart University), Serena Mensa (Fordham University), Malikae Dayes (AAB Denmark), Zoe Vidaurre (George Mason University), Nevillegail Able (University of Maine at Fort Kent), Chinyelu Asher (SCU Torreense), Alika Keene (SK Slavia Praha Zeny), Marlo Sweatman (Viktoria Haladas), Ricshya Walker (LaSalle University), Christina Salmon (William Carey University), Davia Richards (Hill College), Mikayla Dayes (Rodez AF France), Shaneil Buckley (Excelsior), Melissa Johnson (Charlton Athletic Women FC), Aliyah Morgan (George Mason University), Jade Bailey (London City Lionessess), Destiny Powell (Excelsior), Lachante Paul (Burnley), Isreala Groves (London City Lionessess), Naya Cardoza (Brown University), Njeri Butts (University of Florida), and Sydnie Street (Seneca College).
