MIAMI, United States — Toni Cowan, assistant coach of Jamaica’s Under-17 Women’s team, believes the young Reggae Girlz have what it takes to defend their title at the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Championship, currently under way in Portau- Prince, Haiti.

The Jamaicans will have to get by their Group F rivals Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago before they get a shot at the crown which they won two years ago.

The Young Reggae Girlz had defeated Haiti 2-1 in Puerto Rico to lift the title for the very first time.

In the first round of these qualifiers held in St Vincent and the Grenadines in early August, the Jamaicans were dominant in defeating St Kitts and Nevis 10-0 before whipping the hosts 7-0.

“Most definitely.We have raised a good team and we are ready for defending the title. Without a doubt, Jamaica can defend their title.

“I mean, you have seen them play in St Vincent and the Grenadines, which was impressive. I have been watching them training for close to six to seven months now and, based on what I have seen during that period, I do believe that we can defend it,” Cowan told the Jamaica Observer.

Heading into the final round of qualifiers, the Jamaicans lost a two-match international friendly home series after going down 0-3 and 1-3 to Costa Rica. They closed out their preparation with a 2-0 beating of St George’s College Under-14 Boys’ team.

“We needed the games to see a few things as coaches; and we have been addressing those things. We have a very good attacking force as our top-six are amazing. We have been working on our backline and they have shown in the practice match against St George’s College Under-14 Boys that they can come together and play.

“There are some improvements in the backline. We have made a few changes around there and it is more secure now, and that is a major improvement. It just takes these girls coming out and play some ball. Come out, take the field, and play the ball like how we know they can play and we will win the tournament,” Cowan said.

The Girlz will take on Bermuda tomorrow and Trinidad and Tobago on Friday. Both games have kick-off times of 3:30 pm Jamaica time and will be played at the Stade Sylvio Cator.

The CFU tournament serves as qualifier to the CONCACAF Championship, which offers places to next summer’s Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

–Ruddy Allen

Jamaica squad — Monique Perrier, Giselle Washington, Chantae Blackwood, Jaden Roberts, Gabrielle Scarlett, Sydoney Clarke, Olufolasade Adamolekun, Shereece Young, Tacia Austin, Shaquilla Forbes, Rochell Gray, Shania Harris, Nevillegail Able, Kersha Thomas, Christina Salmon, Stacyann Clair, Moesha McLaughlin, Miliah Atkins, Chelisa Schloss and Davia Richards. Officials — Robert Finzi-Smith (head of delegation), Jean Nelson (team manager), Xavier Gilbert (head coach), Toni Cowan (assistant coach), Clive Wedderburn (goalkeeping coach), Harry Nelson (physical trainer), Dr Gillian Lawrence (team doctor), Ashauna Davis (physiotherapist) and Omar Folkes (equipment manager).