The FIFA Women’s World Cup, slated for this July-August is rapidly approaching and the Reggae Girlz are set to take centre stage at only their second ever berth in the tournament. While many will know the household name of Bunny Shaw, Jamaica’s best ever player, there are a few other girlz making waves in Europe this season.
Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw – Manchester City ~ 28G 8A
Jamaica’s all time leading goal scorer and captain, Khadija Shaw has gone from strength to strength in her club career.
Bunny is the current leading goal scorer in the Barclays Women’s Super League with 18 goals. She is also in the top 10 for assists this season; and has won what seems like countless games for Manchester City along the way. Shaw is at the forefront of City’s current title challenge. The Citizens sit second in the table, only three points off local rivals Manchester United with just three games left to play.
She recently picked up two player of the month awards, a player of the season nomination as well as her first CONCACAF Women’s Player of the Year award. Don’t expect Shaw to be done there either, she has a Ballon d’Or Feminin nomination almost certainly nailed on. If the Reggae Girlz are to get out of a very tough group at the Women’s World Cup, Shaw will have to be at her world-class best, but that has never been an issue for her.
Tiffany Cameron – ETO FC Győr 16G 11A
Currently plying her trade in Hungary, Tiffany Cameron is one of the Reggae Girlz’ veterans. The now 31-year-old has helped her side to three Hungarian cup triumphs on the trot since joining the club in 2021 and this season has been particularly special.
She’s directly contributed to a truly absurd 27 goals in just 19 games this season for Győr and has been pivotal for their success as they currently sit second in the league. Her experience will undoubtedly come in handy for the Girlz when July rolls around and when you need a big goal, Cameron is one of the best women to have in your colours.
Shania Hayles – Bristol City 12G 1A
Recently nominated for the On Her Side Player of the Season award in England’s Women’s Championship, Shania Hayles has been arguably the most important player for league winning Bristol City F.C. this season.
She possesses a deadly eye for goal, a wicked turn of pace, and that sixth sense all great strikers have to end up in the right place at the right time. Hayles directly contributed to a third of Bristol City’s goals and fired them to their first ever league title and promotion back to the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Kayla McCoy – Rangers 13G 3A
An injury just before the 2019 World Cup kept Kayla McCoy from making her major tournament bow for the Reggae Girlz. However, with the 2023 iteration on the horizon, her performances have put her right in the discussion for a place in the squad.
Her 16 goal contributions in just 22 games, has her in the top five for the golden boot race in the Scottish Women’s Premier League; and is evidence of her marksmanship and value to Rangers.
Atlanta Primus – London City Lionesses 8G 3A
Atlanta Primus has been one of the standout players in the Women’s Championship this year, as validated by her double digit goal contributions and nomination for the On Her Side Player of the Season award along with fellow Jamaican Shania Hayles.
Primus averaged a goal every other 90 minutes she played, and in her second stint in England after leaving Chelsea for California State University, she has found her feet spectacularly with the London City Lionesses.
Blessed with silky smooth technique, a superb range of passing and lovely finishing ability, deploying Primus behind the striker will bring guile and craft that can help unlock any defence.