Head coach Hubert Busby has unveiled a robust 23-player squad for Jamaica’s upcoming international friendlies against South Africa.
The matches, scheduled for November 29 and December 2 at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay, promise to be a vital test as the Reggae Girlz seek to close out the year on a high note.
Leading the pack is team captain and all-time top scorer Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, whose inclusion is expected to provide a significant lift to Jamaica’s attacking arsenal. Busby highlighted Shaw’s presence as a game-changer, emphasizing her standing as one of the world’s premier forwards.
“Without a doubt, the biggest inclusion into this group is one of the most in-form strikers in the world right now and a leader in Bunny Shaw,” Busby said. “She’s been in great form, as we all know. So it gives us another option up front to go along with the other attacking options we have.”
Busby added that Shaw’s return bolsters the team’s ability to execute offensively. “Having her back in the group helps tremendously. In terms of getting some of the service in and the final product, we’re looking to have a good performance, and that means to get a good result to end the year.”
Facing a formidable opponent
South Africa, fresh off a penalty shootout loss to Zambia in the COSAFA Women’s Championship final, presents a formidable challenge. Busby acknowledged their quality and competitiveness.
“South Africa is a very formidable opponent,” he remarked. “It’s going to be a good game. They are a well-coached team.”
While Jamaica hasn’t won a match in over a year, Busby dismissed concerns over the team’s record, pointing instead to the disruption caused by player protests and the need to rebuild the squad’s cohesion.
“We’re almost having to start all over again in some aspects,” he explained. “The reality is for a lot of the players, there is almost a nine-month gap with them not coming together. Obviously, all of that stuff is in the past now, and we are moving forward. But, as far as that comes to the field, it is re-integration.”
Lessons from France
The Reggae Girlz recently completed a training camp in France, where they endured a 4-0 loss to a powerful French national team. Despite the scoreline, Busby highlighted the positive takeaways.
“There were a lot of learning and positives that we can take away from the camp, especially in the growth area of some of the things that we wanted to do. In terms of playing out of the back and maintaining possession. While not everything we tried worked, our post-analysis revealed many positive takeaways.”
The coach emphasized areas for improvement, particularly decision-making and minimizing errors in crucial moments.
“Football is a game of moments,” Busby noted. “There are moments in that post-analysis where, at this level, you go down at one end, it’s a three versus three and we have an opportunity to finish and we don’t. And within 10-15 minutes you can find the ball in the back of your net. So those are the crucial moments that we really need to work on to be able to be better going forward.”
A new chapter for the Reggae Girlz
The friendlies in Montego Bay also serve as an opportunity for the team to reconnect with their Jamaican fans. Busby underscored the importance of hosting matches on home soil.
“I think what’s vitally important is for us to continue to have more matches when we can and when possible in Jamaica, not just Montego Bay, but obviously, in Kingston, over a long period of time.”
Busby expressed optimism about the squad’s ability to gel and the integration of new players into the team dynamic.
“The newcomers did exceptionally well, both on and off the field,” he said. “Maintaining a positive team culture is vital, and these players have seamlessly fit in. They understand the competitive environment and are working towards our shared goal.”
The 23-player roster includes a blend of experienced leaders and rising stars, covering all facets of the game.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Rebecca Spencer, Liya Brooks; Defenders: Allyson Swaby, Konya Plummer, Naya Cardoza, Vyan Sampson, Chantelle Swaby, Deneisha Blackwood, Siobhan Wilson; Midfielders: tlanta Primus, Destiny Powell, Peyton McNamara, Jade Bailey, Drew Spence, Paige Bailey-Gayle, Olufolasade Adamolekun; Forwards: Khadija Shaw, Kayla McKenna, Davia Richards, Jody Brown, Shania Hayles, Shaniel Buckley, Tiffany Cameron.
With a renewed focus and the energy of a home crowd behind them, the Reggae Girlz aim to close 2024 on a high note and build momentum for the challenges ahead.
