Jamaican defender Allyson Swaby declared on Friday {that a} triumphant victory within the World Cup would ship a convincing message to the nation’s soccer bosses, demanding higher remedy for the ladies’s crew.
Defying all odds and a tumultuous lead-up to the event in Australia and New Zealand, Jamaica astounded followers by securing a degree in opposition to the formidable French squad of their opening match.
Now, as they face Panama on Saturday in Perth, the Reggae Girlz stand on the cusp of historical past, able to safe their maiden World Cup win.
This potential victory can be greater than only a exceptional accomplishment on the sphere because it might usher in a brand new period for ladies’s soccer within the Caribbean nation.
Swaby emphasised the core message they wish to convey – that ladies’s soccer is undeniably professional.
“We’re not here to merely participate; we’re here to compete. Football is not just a game for us; it’s our livelihood, our joy, and our true passion,” she mentioned.
Swaby asserted that they’d proceed their relentless struggle to be acknowledged as equals.
“We’ll never stop striving and pushing until we receive the respect and consideration we rightfully deserve,” she added.
Under coach Lorne Donaldson, the crew has discovered itself entangled in a heated dispute with the soccer federation over the shortage of help, insufficient pay and woeful planning within the run-up to the World Cup.
Resources have been scarce for the Jamaican ladies, and for years they relied closely on monetary help from Cedella Marley, the daughter of the legendary Bob Marley.
Despite the hurdles they confronted, the tenacious gamers refused to again down.
Voicing their frustrations and grievances, they launched a robust assertion final month, demanding a radical change of their federation’s method.
They known as out the “extreme disorganization of camp logistics,” which had severely impacted their preparation for the event.
Nonetheless, the Reggae Girlz showcased their energy and held their very own in opposition to France, one of many pre-tournament favorites, ending the sport in a gripping 0-0 draw.
But Swaby was fast to make clear that their wrestle for acknowledgment does not finish there.
“The world witnessed the battles we’ve fought to reach this stage,” she mentioned. “Every moment on this grand stage is a testament to our credibility, fueling our ongoing fight for the changes we long to see.”
As the Jamaican squad gears as much as face Panama, they’ll have to take action with out their star striker and captain, Khadija Shaw.
Shaw’s late dismissal within the match in opposition to France, after receiving a second yellow card, has left the crew with out their talisman.
However, they continue to be undeterred by this setback.
Panama, after a harsh 4-0 defeat in opposition to Brazil of their opener, could appear to be a extra accessible opponent on paper.
But the Jamaican crew is nicely conscious that there aren’t any simple matches at this degree, and they’re prepared to present it their all, fueled by a dream of securing a historic World Cup triumph.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
