6 months ago
21
DESPITE TWO disappointing performances against Mexico in a pair of friendly matches earlier this month, Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby is expecting his charges to be competitive against tougher oppositions when the Reggae Girlz face the United States on June 3 and England on June 29.
In fact, Busby believes the 0-7 aggregate loss to Mexico could be beneficial to his charges.
“We are still doing a debrief for the Mexico game,” Busby told The Gleaner. “Areas in which, both on and off the field, we can look to improve. So that is continuing, and we hope to wrap up with the technical staff this week in our weekly meetings.
“Then we will take that learning and try to implement what we learn in the next couple games.
“So we will take all the learnings from that and put them towards areas we can improve going into the US match.”
Busby said improvements are needed in all areas of their game, and believes their preparation leading into the matches will be crucial.
“I think we need to improve, based on where we are at. So I wouldn’t say there is any one particular area. I think all phases of our game we need to address.
“Also, all the preparations that went in need to be looked at. It is important that we go through the process of that before we dive into anything else regarding the matches, because we know they are going to be really difficult matches, and we really want to focus on areas in which we can improve,” he continued
“I believe that we can be competitive. If we get the preparation and timing right with the group, I think we will be fine.
More important than the two games for Busby, is the length of window he will have with the team.
“The key for us is to be able to utilise the entire window. That is very important, because the more time you have, the more you can evaluate with players.
“It is not just field time with the players, there is contact time in camp. There is a lot of time and opportunities to do films, and we have a lot of time to do IDPs [individual development programmes] that allow for individual growth,” he said.
“The more time we have with them, the more they understand the plan, and the more they feel reassured about what we are trying to do. And the better it is going to be for them on the field; and we hope that the results indicate that as well.”
According to Busby, the objective is to continue fine-tuning the squad for the World Cup qualifiers starting later this year, and that the aim is to see progress over the two matches.
“It is always important to remember, it is progression and not ever perfection. It is not going to be perfect heading into these games.
“We are playing two games and we are looking at different parts of the cycle as well. So everyone is really gearing up for the games when they really count [World Cup qualifiers].
“But playing these games, you will learn a lot from them. You will get a chance to evaluate players, and so we are approaching the games for opportunities, evaluation and growth,” he said.
English (US) ·