PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — If good things come to those who deserve them, then Chelisa Schloss and Jaden Roberts have a lot to give thanks for.

Schloss, 16, and the 15-year-old Florida-based Roberts are among five newcomers set to make their debut for Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Girlz team at the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) qualifiers currently underway in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Schloss, who looked at this point as the first-choice goalkeeper, said that receiving a call-up to the national squad was a dream come true for her and a moment that she will cherish for a very long time.

“It feels great and good. I am just happy, that’s all. I am around my team members and we move like one big happy family and so I am extremely happy to be representing my country.

“This is a dream come true for me as I have been playing football at the primary school level and I have always dreamt one day to wear the black, green and gold colours for Jamaica,” Schloss told the Jamaica Observer.

Roberts, who attended the Archbishop Edward A McCarthy High School and plays as an attacker for Boca United in the American Club League, said that her team can expect nothing but plenty of goals from her.

“First of all, I must say that this is a very good feeling to be representing Jamaica at the international level for the very first time. It has been 10 years since I am playing football and I have never played football in Jamaica before, and to get the opportunity to do so on the national team is very great.

“My parents Jasmine and Jeffery Roberts are very excited for me. I’m overwhelmed and I am very thankful. I will use this as a medium to showcase my talent, skill and help my country to advance to the final round of qualifiers and then to defend our title as the Caribbean champions,” Roberts said.

The CFU tournament began on Wednesday with St Kitts and Nevis beating hosts St Vincent and the Grenadines 3-1 to take an early lead in Group E. The Jamaicans will play St Kitts and Nevis today at Arnos Vale Stadium at 4:00 pm (3:00 pm Jamaica time) before tackling the host on Sunday.

— Ruddy Allen