Khadija Shaw weighs in on Reggae Boyz | Sports

Jamaica’s leading goalscorer Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw thinks Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz need to develop a football system and style of play if they are to qualify for the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026.

On a recent Instagram Live, Shaw spoke about Jamaica having a good team on paper but missing out on qualification to the World Cup.

“I keep hearing we are the best team on paper, but where is the system of play? I think we have an opportunity to restart now and put the resources in place, but we have to start doing so from the U-17 level,” she said.

“Not qualifying is disappointing because, individually, our Boyz do very well. But it’s like we’re ignoring that we need a system that everyone can follow. It doesn’t start with our players. It starts with our federation. They have to put the systems in place from the youth level.”

Speaking to a matter that is closer to home, Shaw also believes more needs to be done for women.

NO REAL SPONSOR

“We qualified for a World Cup and there was no real sponsor, and I think that is so bad. There is no league for our girls to develop and our women to get opportunities. You don’t have to get 12 premier league teams, just get six so the girls can get exposure in the US and Europe,” said Shaw.

“It’s shameful that women’s football isn’t developed because we qualified for a FIFA World Cup which came with benefits. We need continuity and planning. It’s sad that women’s football remains neglected and underserved in Jamaica, where there is so much talent. We need to do more to grow the sport for women and girls in Jamaica.”

Shaw, though understanding her own talent, believes that the major difference between herself and other Jamaican footballers is just a matter of opportunities. And those, she says, can be created.

“Me and the Reggae Girlz are here trying to pave the way and inspire others, but we can’t do it alone, because the next generation will need opportunities. The only difference between me and a lot of our other female footballers in Jamaica is opportunity,” she said.

Shaw represented Jamaica in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and has recorded an impressive 44 goals in 31 appearances for the Reggae Girlz – making her the country’s all-time leading goalscorer – male or female.