Reggae Girlz now settled in Florida for camp

Following their impressive 3 -1 victory over Panama in their friendly international at the National Stadium on Sunday, the Reggae Girlz are now in Florida where they will camp in Miami Lakes until Saturday. The Girlz will play a practise game against a combined club team at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar on Friday.

Their travel was facilitated by Caribbean Airlines which has entered into a two year agreement with the Jamaica Football Federation to transport national teams. Speaking with RJR Sports on Monday just before their departure, head coach Hue Menzies lauded the increase in sponsorship which he argued was critical to the team's journey but he admitted that the various engagements have been challenging for the players.

The national senior women's team will next travel to Scotland for a friendly international against the host nation on May 28 following which they will travel through London, Egland to Lyon, France for another camp. The Reggae Girlz, who are drawn in Group “C”, will head into the official FIFA camp on June 5 ahead of their first group game against Brazil in Grenoble. They will next face Italy on June 14 in Reims and end their group assignments against Australia on June 18 in Grenoble.

And following Sunday’s game, head coach Hue Menzies commended the team for a solid performance and credited a number of players who have made the selection of the 23 member World Cup squad more difficult. Veteran striker Shakira Duncan scored in her first game back with the team since 2014 while 18 year old Sade Adamolekun also gave a good performance. Menzies admits though, that most of the 23 spots have been secured.

“It’s been challenging but obviously we have a good picture now; some players stepped up today (Sunday) to get into that 23. I think we have solidified 19 so it’s a good problem that I have,” said Menzies.

Meanwhile local women football coach Charlie Edwards says he is concerned about the fitness level of the Reggae Girlz ahead of their trip to France for the FIFA Women's World Cup starting next month.

Speaking on Hitz 92 FM's Sports Grill with Simon Crosskill on Monday, Edwards said the quick turn-around time between group games will test the fitness level of the ladies. The Reggae Girlz are drawn in Group 'C' where they will meet Brazil on June 9 , Italy on June 14 and Australia on June 18. Edwards also has concerns about the defensive weakness of the team.