7 months ago
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Hubert Busby Jr, head coach of the Reggae Girlz, says the team is always a better line-up with striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, but in her absence others have stepped up in the last set of friendlies.
The Reggae Girlz face Mexico in two friendlies on April 5 and 8 in the United States and in naming his squad for the games, Busby selected nine forwards to the 22-member squad. Manchester City’s Shaw has been sidelined for the games due to injury, but Busby said it is another great opportunity for others to show they can add value to the team.
“Every team is better with ‘Bunny’ Shaw in it,” he declared. “We want her in our team. We are a better team with her in it. With that said, if she is not in the squad someone else has to step up, and they have done so.
“We have had a lot of different scorers ( in the last few matches), and this is what we have been trying to do.”
He explained also that they are trying to build a team that is not focused on any one individual but how they operate as a unit.
“Our playing model is centred around a philosophy and not one person. So yes, we want her in the squad, but it (her absence) provides opportunities for other players to step up, and they have done that, and may it continue heading into these two games,” he said.
The Reggae Girlz are on a run of four straight victories, after two wins each over South Africa and Peru recently.
Busby noted that the coaching staff has seen marked improvements in what they are trying to accomplish with the team, and he is looking for those improvements to continue against a good Mexican team.
He said fans want nothing less than a win, but as coaches they have to look at the bigger picture, especially with World Cup qualifying just around the corner.
“It is about going out there and improving on the performances of the last four matches. We have to continue to win, or put in a good performance that allows us to win.
“The bottom line always, at the international level, is to win football matches. I know that is what everyone always looks towards.
“But in terms of our objectives as coaches, we want to see improved performance on our playing model. We want to make sure that we keep clean sheets. We are looking to get better at being able to build in possession, which I think we have improved on in the last four matches.
“So, overall improved performance is the most important thing for us heading into these two matches against Mexico,” he stated.
English (US) ·