by Rachel Cohen (8/7/23)
Above: Heading for their second World Cup in a row – Jamaica. Photo: JFF.
Known as the Reggae Girlz, this is Jamaica’s second World Cup qualification in a row. They have few expectations but have sufficient quality to hope they might pull off a surprise.
More trivially, off the pitch, for kit lovers, Jamaica’s away kit is low-key fantastic: Brown Adidas ringer top, matching shorts, and stripey socks.
Squad
Jamaica’s squad includes professional (WSL, NWSL, D1 Feminine), US-collegiate and non-affiliated players.
Goalkeepers: Rebecca Spencer, Sydney Schneider, Liya Brooks.
Defenders: Allyson Swaby, Chantelle Swaby, Konya Plummer, Deneisha Blackwood, Vyan Sampson.
Midfielders: Peyton McNamara, Drew Spence, Trudi Carter, Solai Washington, Rachel Jones, Atlanta Primus, Havana Solaun.
Forwards: Khadija Shaw, Jody Brown, Tiffany Cameron, Kameron Simmonds, Kiki Van Zanten, Cheyna Matthews, Tiernny Wiltshire, Kayla McKenna.
Head Coach
Lorne Donaldson. Donaldson represented Kingston College on the island and played college-level football in the USA at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, which named him in their Hall of Fame in 1995. His coaching career began with the Real Colorado Foxes in 2001 before taking over the Jamaican national side in 2022.
World Cup history
In 2019, Jamaica became the first ever Caribbean nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. In their first and only previous outing, the Reggae Girlz finished last in a tough group that included Italy, Australia, and Brazil, gaining no points and scoring just one goal.
How they qualified
Jamaica qualified via the July 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, finishing second in their group behind the USA and beating both Haiti and the hosts, Mexico en route. They then beat Costa Rica to finish third overall in the tournament.
Strengths
Despite having some excellent attacking players Jamaica have achieved success in big games, including their crucial qualifying win against Mexico, by being willing to sit deep and defend. With Khadija Shaw in the team, a player with great movement, who is good with her head, they will always be dangerous on set pieces.
Development areas
One of the biggest issues facing the Jamaican squad is their own federation. In the run-up to the World Cup the Reggae Girlz released a collective statement raising “concerns resulting from subpar planning, transportation, accommodations, training conditions, compensation, communication, nutrition, and accessibility to proper resources.” The statement goes on to highlight the federation’s failure to pay agreed compensation and that “due to extreme disorganization of camp logistics, we have missed several official FIFA friendly matches. This will undoubtedly impact our preparation for Australia.”
Key Players
It’s hard to look past Khadija (Bunny) Shaw who has scored 56 goals in 38 appearances for her country. The 26-year-old Manchester City forward was in scorching form this season, netting 20 league goals in 22 games for her club and just missing out on the WSL Golden Boot.
In Jamaica’s qualification run, Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper, Becky Spencer, was in top form pulling off crucial saves. She has not had a great 2022-23 but will need to regain her form of last summer if Jamaica are going to stand a chance. Spencer’s team-mate at Tottenham, Drew Spence will similarly be looking to show her class and on her day is a stylish midfield presence.
At the back, Jamaica will rely heavily on seasoned defender Allyson Swaby (on loan at PSG most recently) alongside her sister, Chantelle (another D1 Feminine player, currently at FC Fleury).
One to watch
Altanta Primus has had an excellent season at London City Lionesses in the English second tier, scoring eight goals. The 26-year-old is fast and good on the ball, with the ability to worry defenders.
Success would be
After making little impact in 2019, this time Jamaica will want to show growth. That means improving on the one goal and getting their first points. Group F includes Brazil and France, both of whom are likely to be too much. But the group is rounded out with Panama, a team ranked nine places below the Reggae Girlz. If they can get a win in that game, or even a draw, and then limit their losses in the other two games, Jamaica could secure the third-placed spot in the group. Should some unforeseen disaster affect one of the two more fancied teams they would be in a decent position to take advantage.
Prediction
Third in their group, assuming their federation does nothing more to scupper the team’s chances.
Group F Fixtures
23rd July – France, Sydney Football Stadium.
29th July – Panama, HBF Park, Perth
2nd August – Brazil, AAMI Park, Melbourne.
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