Hue Menzies, coach of the historic Reggae Girlz, who became the first team from the Caribbean to qualify for a World Cup, and Minister of Sport Olivia Grange, are in agreement that Guardian Newspaper’s Footballer of the Year, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, is a great role model.
Shaw led Jamaica’s scoring during their qualification run to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next year, is bestowed on a player, male or female, who has had a remarkable achievement inclusive of non-footballing ones like overcoming adversity, helping others, or setting the kind of example worthy of a good role model.
In winning the award, Shaw joins the likes of Fabio Piscane and Juan Mata, who had one in the previous two installments of the three-year-old award.
"Most young ladies who live in poor communities that are struggling should look up to Khadija. She is a perfect role model. She has created history for her country, family, and her community. You can't have a better person for those young girls to look up to," said Menzies.
Grange, in responding to Shaw’s award, gave a stamp of approval to Menzies’ comments, pointing out that she has been a wonderful example not just with the national team, but with her club.
"Khadija has been a great role model not just on the football field but also with her league team, the Lady Volunteers, and her national team, the Reggae Girlz. She has demonstrated the ability to rise above personal tragedy by keeping her eye on the ball,” said Grange.
Grange was speaking of Shaw’s personal losses. The star striker lost four brothers to violence in her home community of Spanish Town, but still had the fortitude to follow her dreams and not stray from the path of success.
"It must have been very difficult to have lost four brothers and still find the fortitude to pursue her dreams. It gives me even greater pleasure in congratulating her knowing that she is from Spanish Town. I want young ladies across the country to look at her and the other Reggae Girlz and see what is possible in life," said Grange of the 21-year-old.
According to the minister of sport, the world is beginning to take notice of Jamaica’s women’s football and that has some thing to do with stories like Shaw’s.