Hubert Busby Junior has been reinstated as the Head Coach of the Jamaica Senior National Women’s Team, the Reggae Girlz, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) confirmed in a statement released on Friday.
Busby, who previously led the team from 2020 to 2021, returns for his second stint after being cleared of allegations following a FIFA investigation into unsavory media reports originating in Europe.
Read: JFF Suspends Coach Busby Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations
In their announcement, the JFF expressed confidence in Busby’s abilities, citing his vast experience and knowledge of the squad as key factors in his reappointment. Xavier Gilbert, who had been acting as Head Coach since October 2023, will resume his role as assistant coach.
“The Jamaica Football Federation is pleased to announce that after careful consideration and due process, our technical committee has recommended the immediate reappointment of Hubert Busby as head coach of the Senior Women’s National Team,” the JFF said in Friday’s release.
Busby’s immediate task
“Based on his vast experience and knowledge of the squad, we think he is the perfect individual to take the team through the next stage of its development,” it continued.
Busby’s immediate task will be to lead the 23-member squad for two international friendlies against Brazil on June 1 and June 4 in Brazil. Notably, 18 members of the squad were part of Jamaica’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup team. Additionally, former Liverpool midfielder Jade Bailey makes a return to the team, while Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and Kalyssa ‘Kiki’ Van Zanten are sidelined due to injuries.
The squad is scheduled to depart for South America on May 26, with players including Chantelle Swaby, Konya Plummer, and Denesha Blackwood among those set to represent Jamaica in the upcoming fixtures.
Squad: Chantelle Swaby, Konya Plummer, Jade Bailey, Denesha Blackwood, Kayla McKenna, Allyson Swaby, Drew Spence, Atlanta Primus, Vyan Sampson, Peyton McNamara, Page Bailey-Gayle, Trudy Carter, Kameron Simmonds, Tiffany Cameron, Sydney Schneider, Rebecca Spencer, Niya Cardoza, Liya Brooks, Amelia Van Zaten, Jody Brown, Israela Groves, Davia Richards, Lauren Reid.
