Plummer vows to lead Girlz with distinction in France
Konya Plummer will have a massive load to haul when she leads her Reggae Girlz into battle at the Fifa Women’s World Cup in France next summer.
But she has demonstrated that she possesses broad shoulders, having led her country to historic qualification to the female game’s top competition.
In October, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the senior women’s World Cup when they finished third behind the USA and Canada in the Concacaf play-offs held in Texas, an achievement that has redefined the feminine game in the island.
With their France 2019 opponents known following a draw in Paris last Saturday, Plummer is ready to take the plunge as captain in leading her team on new frontiers.
“As a captain, my main duty is to lead, encourage, motivate and be an example to my teammates. Therefore, the role as captain is the same as it was before going into the World Cup,” the St Mary native told the Jamaica Observer from Florida recently.
Jamaica will face sixth-ranked Australia, 10th-ranked Brazil and 16th-ranked Italy in Group C of the 24-nation competition.
Plummer, 21, conceded that every team in the World Cup will be tough, so she has opted not to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of opponents, but rather on executing the goals of the team game by game.
“Knowing our opponent does not change our goal, and our goal is to go in the tournament with our best foot forward to compete as hard as possible to make our country proud,” said the Titchfield High School alumna.
“Each team will provide a unique challenge. Brazil players are very skillful, Marta is a legend and I am looking forward to play against her. Generally, Australia is a very athletic country and female football team is no different; physically strong and technical and Italy is known for its defensive prowess and the female team I believe will stick to this philosophy. However, I think we have the skills and the right attitude to overcome this challenge,” plummer added..
Plummer contends that for the Girlz to be able to give of their best come June, the pre-tournament preparation must be of the highest quality.
“I believe we need to get a lot of practice games going into the tournament,” she noted.
With regards to her game, Plummer says “there is always room for improvement”.
“My coaches and I will be looking into respective areas with the view to improve,” she shared.
Plummer, who attends the University of Central Florida, said leading her team through the qualifying obstacle course and into the game’s grandest cathedral, remains a signature moment in her life.
“No, I haven’t gotten over it (qualifying for the World Cup) as yet and it was always my dream to go to the World Cup. I didn’t expect to captain the team, but it’s a privilege and honour to serve my team and country in such a way,” said the central defender.
But like so many of her Reggae Girlz teammates, Plummer has placed education high on the list of life priorities.
“I am pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies —health and education. After college though, I would like to pursue a career in football,” she asserted.