Becoming a Reggae Girl gets tougher - Coach

Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby Jr says as players continue to secure professional contracts in their club careers, the criteria for becoming a Reggae Girl will continue to rise in quality.

Busby was speaking on Monday in a press conference where he announced his squad for the Reggae Girlz upcoming Concacaf W Qualifiers against Nicaragua.

Several of the players Busby named in his squad have recently made moves in their careers, whether it is moving from the collegiate system into the professional ranks or securing a contract with a new club.

Defender Naya Cardoza recently signed with the Halifax Tides, joining up with international teammate Tiffany Cameron.

Kameron Simmonds made her first steps into the professional ranks, signing with the Utah Royals in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after leaving Florida State University (FSU).

Similarly, Solai Washington has also left FSU and has signed for NWSL club Orlando Pride.

Deneisha Blackwood was also on the move, joining Toluca Femenil at the start of the year while midfielder Jade Bailey secured a move to the Swedish top-flight with Pitea.

Busby said Reggae Girlz securing professional contracts will only benefit the national programme as the players continue to grow in competitive environments.

He also explained this means that younger players, aiming to stake a claim in the senior squad, are now aware of the standards it will take to become a Reggae Girl.

“The reality is that you have to be playing at a professional level or high level,” he said.

“That is the criteria, and on top of that, there are players who did not make the squad who are doing really well. Players like Paige Bailey-Gayle,” Busby continued.

“The criteria is, we have a really strong pool of players that are constantly pushing the group. To make sure that when you’re selected, not just are you playing professionally at a high level but you’re actually playing regularly and you’re in good form with your clubs.”

The Reggae Girlz will face Nicaragua on March 2 at the Nicaragua National Stadium in their second match of Group B.

It will be an early top-of-the-table clash as Nicaragua lead the group with six points from their two games played ahead of Jamaica, who sit second with three.

The winner of the group from the Concacaf W Qualifiers will advance to the Concacaf W Championships to compete for a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com