Having added seasoned attacker Tiffany Cameron and returning forward Natasha Thomas to the squad for a high-profile international friendly against the United States, Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby is optimistic that his team will give a good account in the June 3 contest in St. Louis, Missouri.
The clash will mark the first meeting between the two nations since the Concacaf Women’s Championship in 2022, where the Americans ran out convincing winners. However, Busby is looking to build on the Girlz's recent strides, and he believes that both Cameron and Thomas bring crucial qualities to a team focused on depth, chemistry, and progression.
"Yeah, firstly, we always maintained when we announced the squad that we were going to leave room for two additional players based on some technicality and paperwork we were waiting to have sorted out. Obviously, in the case of Natasha, that finally came through,” Busby said.
Hubert Busby.
Thomas, 29, who plies her trade at Ipswich Town in England’s FA Women’s National League, made her senior debut against France last October but has not featured since. Busby praised her form at the club level and sees this call-up as a valuable opportunity for her to reintegrate.
"She’s had a fantastic season at Ipswich, and we believe she can add depth to our already talented attacking line. She’s worked hard to get back into contention, and we want to see how she continues to gel with the group," he shared.
Meanwhile, Cameron’s inclusion reflects Busby’s desire for experience and reliability in what he anticipates will be a tough, physical battle against the world’s number one ranked Americans.
"As far as Tiffany’s concerned, it was a decision to add some experience based on the idea that one of the players we originally had planned on bringing in wasn’t able to make it. She’s a seasoned professional. Even though she knew she might be a standby because we want to look at other players, she remained eager and ready to come into the squad and represent their country again," Busby explained.
Tiffany Cameron.
Cameron, a long-serving member of the Reggae Girlz programme, offers versatility and calm under pressure, something Busby says will be key in a match of this magnitude.
"She knows what these moments are like and that calmness will be important, especially for the younger players. Again, she is experienced, and so she knows what is expected of her, and she comes in ready to give her all," the tactician noted.
With a relatively youthful squad that includes the likes of Solai Washington, Amelia Van Zanten, Naya Cordoza, and Serena Mensah, among others, Busby believes the American test is a “measuring stick” for where the team is heading. Still, he expects the Reggae Girlz to show grit and pride.
"This is a game where mentality will be just as important as tactics. We know the U.S. will press, they will be aggressive, and they will test every inch of our discipline. But it’s a chance for us to sharpen our game, build cohesion, and show the fighting spirit we’re known for," Busby declared.
Natasha Thomas.
That said, Busby pointed out that he will be watching not just the result but also the performances of individuals across the pitch. From emerging midfield talents like Nyema Ingleton to defensive stalwarts Allyson and Chantelle Swaby, every player has something to prove, especially with another friendly against England scheduled for June 29.
"We want to see bravery, players willing to take chances, own their roles, and push themselves. Obviously, these matches are part of our preparation for the World Cup qualifiers, so we have a good blend of experience and youth, and I expect us to grow from this experience," he ended.