1 month ago
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Tasked with finding the best players to represent Jamaica in the Reggae Girlz squad, head coach Hubert Busby, said he has been keeping a close eye on the local talents available in the Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL).
Speaking in a recent Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) press conference, Busby said he has been closely monitoring the growth of the JWPL and the players it has to offer.
“I have been following and keeping a close eye on the league and the players in there weekly (those that we’re able to watch) and I think the league is a good watch,” he explained.
“Even when I can’t be there in person, we have been able to pick up on the games. Obviously, I have close contact with coach [Xavier] Gilbert as well.”
Busby said, while he has seen major improvements in the league’s operations and player development this year, he still believes there is work to be done before the JWPL can become a stomping ground for future Reggae Girlz.
He said, for the league to improve, stakeholders must be committed and patient in creating growth.
“It is going to be a process to be able to continue to develop and build that league,” he said.
“I think it is one that we’re all committed to but we have to patient. It is important that the players know that they have to keep on working and I think it is important that the environments keep on improving.
“Everybody has a collective responsibility in ensuring that the environments that these players are in improve - facilities, coaching, standards, safety, all of those things.”
PATHWAYS
Busby said, while the league continues to improve, the national programme has been closely monitoring several key players who are aware they are on his radar.
He explained these players are being advised about areas they will need to improve on if they are to stake their claim in his squad.
“The players that we have been speaking to, they know they are being watched and they know they are being monitored, and we will continue to do that,” Busby said.
“We’re all invested and we’re all definitely paying attention to those local players. We’re saying to those local players to continue to do well. Some of those players have been provided feedback in terms of what is needed for them to make the next step into the squad.”
Busby also explained that the national programme has also been working in creating new opportunities for several local players, whether through university scholarships or professional opportunities.
“We’re assisting them to continue their education and their footballing ventures, come the fall. So, when they leave, when the season ends, we’re helping them get scholarships for some of them to go overseas,” he explained.
“We have also had conversations with professional clubs with one or two of keeping their eyes on them, so we’re very engaged with the players in that league.”
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