Connie Francis, head coach of Jamaica’s senior netballers, is confident the squad chosen for the three-match Vitality Netball International Series against hosts England is the right mix of players.

The series is slated for January 11-15 of next year. The first game is set for January 11 at the AO Arena in Manchester, while the second and third matches are set for the Copperbox Arena in London on January 14 and 15.

“It is a nice squad to work with. I mean, the squad has both senior players and young junior players with rookies in it, and it is a really nice build-up for the future of Jamaica netball,” Francis told the Jamaica Observer.

“I know that England is missing key players, and we are missing two key defenders, and hopefully, those who we have put in the squad will be able to give a good account of themselves because it is all about building toward the World Cup.”

“Hopefully, when these youngsters are given their chances to go out and create something for themselves, it will be in a positive way, to help us win the series,” Francis added.

The Jamaicans will be led in the series by ace goal shooter and Captain Jhaniele Fowler, along with Vice-Captain Shanice Beckford, Shimona Nelson, Rebekah Robinson, Khadijah Williams, Nicole Dixon-Rocherster, Jodi-Ann Ward, and Kadie-Ann Dehaney, who all participated at this year’s Commonwealth Games. Malysha Kelly, one of the most experienced defenders, also makes a return.

The squad will be without top-rated defenders Shameera Sterling and Latanya Wilson, plus centre Adean Thomas, who all played a very vital role in helping the country secure the historic silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, in August.

The other members of Jamaica’s team are Tafiya Hunter, Crystal Plummer, Abigale Sutherland, Theresa Beckford, and Roxonna McLean.

“You know, our senior players have a lot of responsibilities, especially with our attacking team, which is our strongest unit going into the tournament because we are missing two of our best defenders.”

“So hopefully we can execute well, and it is very important as this will be the battle of attacking teams, and I don’t see why we can’t come ahead. Hopefully, we just play it one position at a time, taking care of the ball, supporting each other, adjusting to the umpires, and I don’t see why we can’t, but we just have to make sure we execute well in order to win the series,” Francis explained.

Francis said that the girls are in good health and should be in good shape for the tournament.

“Training has been going on steadily for the girls. We do still have injury concerns, but, you know, our… doctors are working tirelessly, as is our trainer, to ensure that the girls are at strongest peak; at least 80-85 percent high performance peak in order to help us go out there,” she said.

Commenting on the conditions expected for the series, Francis said: “For the youngsters, I know that it will be different, but we some senior players who ply their trade in Australia and who are accustomed to the conditions. We also have some of the senior players who are still here in Jamaica and are accustomed to the conditions. And Netball Jamaica has always ensured that we are properly outfitted for the climate,” affirmed Francis.

The Sunshine Girls are expected to depart the island on January 5, 2023.