COMFORT OF ‘YARD’
COMFORT OF ‘YARD’ . Coach Busby ‘thrilled’ with chance to play home games
The Jamaica Observer
Jamaica's forward Khadija Shaw (right) controls the ball under pressure from South Africa's midfielder Mamello Makhabane during the international friendly football match at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on April 7, 2019. (Photo: AFP)

Jamaica’s senior women’s national football team is gearing up to face South Africa in two highly anticipated friendly matches. And Head Coach Hubert Busby has selected a talented squad, with players eager to showcase their skills on home soil.

Both games are scheduled to be played at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James, on November 29 and December 2.

“We’re thrilled to have the Girlz back home, playing in front of their adoring fans and supporters,” Busby said.

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz recently returned from a training camp in France, where they faced the French national team. Although the result wasn’t in Jamaica’s favour after they lost 0-4, Busby remains optimistic.

“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 maintain possession. While not everything we tried worked, our post-analysis revealed many positive takeaways,” Busby reflected.

Busby highlighted areas for improvement, particularly reducing individual mistakes and enhancing decision-making in critical moments.

“Football is a game of moments,” Busby emphasised. “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,” Busby added.

The France camp also provided an opportunity for new players to integrate into the squad. Busby was impressed with their performances.

“The newcomers did exceptionally well, both on and off the field,” Busby 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.”

Busby and assistant coach Deon Burton scouted South Africa’s recent game against England, gaining valuable insights.

“South Africa gave England a very good go on the night and in some cases probably should have done a lot better in front of the opposition goal. It’s going to be a good game as they are a well-coached team.

“Obviously their coach has been around for a while but we were able to evaluate them in that environment and so it was good to see while I was there. I am looking forward to these games,” Busby stated.

— Ruddy Allen

SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Rebecca Spencer and Liya Brooks.

Defenders – Allyson Swaby, Konya Plummer, Naya Cardoza, Vyan Sampson, Chantelle Swaby, Deneisha Blackwood, and Siobjan Wislon.

Midfielders – Atlanta Primus, Destiny Powell, Peyton McNamara, Jade Bailey, Drew Spencer, Paige Bailey-Gayle, and Olufolasade Adamolekun.

Forwards – Khadija Shaw, Kayla McKenna, Davia Richards, Jody Brown, Shania Hayles, Shaniel Buckley, an Tiffany Cameron.
Jamaica
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2024-11-22
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Coach Busby ‘thrilled’ with chance to play home games
COMFORT OF ‘YARD’