KINGSTON, Jamaica — With a string of key injuries disrupting their core line-up, the Reggae Girlz are gearing up to face the world’s top-ranked team, the United States, on June 3 at Energizer Park in Missouri.
Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr. has responded by assembling a versatile, 21-member squad, designed not just to survive the challenge — but to seize the moment.
The absence of marquee names such as Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, Rebecca Spencer, Drew Spence, Jade Bailey, and Trudi Carter has forced Busby to pivot toward depth and flexibility — a strategic decision he hopes will reveal new talent and shape the future of Jamaican women’s football.
A squad built for shifting sands
Busby, known for his tactical pragmatism, sees this match not merely as a trial — but as an incubator for emerging leaders.
“These are veteran players in the squad who we rely on heavily. With them not being there, it provides an opportunity for other players to definitely step up and show what they can do.”
Without a stable starting XI, Busby is banking on multifunctional athletes to carry the load. The likes of Nyema Ingleton, Vyan Sampson, Amelia “Mimi” Van Zanten, and Deneisha Blackwood have all been earmarked for multiple positional roles, especially in defense.
“The players, sometimes we put them in different positions. We are very open in terms of the shortcomings all around. There are things we can improve on.”
Baptism by fire: The U.S. awaits
This won’t be a gentle introduction. The Girlz are stepping into the lion’s den against a U.S. squad that has historically dominated them, scoring 16 goals in three previous encounters — the narrowest loss being a 4-0 defeat. But for Busby, these matches are less about the scoreline and more about mental fortitude and tactical discovery.
“But the best part about it is that they are being put in some environment where there are bad and good stresses, and this is one (game) where we put them in an environment to see how they cope with those trials and tribulations of playing the best team in the world.”
Building the next generation
Busby is particularly energized by the youthful hunger driving the current squad.
“I look forward to the exuberance of the young players, who want to stake a place on this team and show the world they are up for the task. I am looking to have a good week of training and putting on a great show against the world number one-ranked team.”
And that squad could soon grow. The coach confirmed that Liverpool vice-captain Taylor Hinds and Ipswich forward Natasha Thomas are in the final stages of citizenship processing, with hopes of being added to the squad by week’s end.
“We still have two players we hope to get by the end of the week. We will add them when we get their citizenship and documents sorted out. So we can have them and add them to the list.”
Playing the long game
Ultimately, Busby views these matches as stepping stones in a long-term project to elevate the Reggae Girlz to global competitiveness.
“We have strengths and deficiencies, and we just have to utilise these games. I know everyone wants to win every single match, and that is why we are here with the senior women’s national team.
“But these games are for us to experiment and trial. We can’t do that at a World Cup. You have to have the full picture of what it is. There are always little puzzle pieces that we have to put together that allow us to see the finished product.
“It’s not as close as it should be yet. But we are in the process of getting it done. And it is all about progression. Sometimes in the progression, the results might not show. But we take the information and extract it and get a better understanding of where we are.”
Full Squad: Reggae Girlz vs United States: Goalkeepers: Liya Brooks, Sydney Schneider, Serena Mensah; Defenders: Chantelle Swaby, Konya Plummer, Naya Cardoza, Vyan Sampson, Allyson Swaby; Midfielders: Nyema Ingleton, Solai Washington, Amelia Van Zanten, Olufolasade Adamolekun, Atlanta Primus, Deneisha Blackwood; Forwards: Kayla McKenna, Reanna Blades, Shania Hayles, Shaniel Buckley, Kameron Simmonds, Kalyssa Van Zanten, Jody Brown.
