The Reggae Girlz were on Thursday feted by The Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, where they have been staying as they fine-tune preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next month.

The Reggae Girlz are set to leave the island on Wednesday, June 21, for Australia with the tournament set to kick off on July 20 and will run until August 20.

Courtyard by Marriott’s Mexican General Manager David Nava greeted the Girlz in Jamaican patios by uttering “wat a gwaan”, to much laughter from the audience.

“It’s really a pleasure having you with us. Thank you for choosing Marriott. This is a very special occasion and we are very proud to see the Jamaican team play at the World Cup,” said Nava.

“This is the second time [to the World Cup] and enjoy every moment. Be proud to represent us Jamaica. We will welcome you back with the trophy. This is your house, the Marriott, and we are always ready to welcome you,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Vice-President Raymond Anderson, who represented President Michael Ricketts at the function, says the Girlz’ consecutive qualification to the World Cup is an achievement worthy of the highest recognition.

“This is massive for me standing here representing the JFF and telling you how much the JFF appreciates you the second time around,” said Anderson.

“Many, many countries want to be a second time around and believe me there are trying, but we are there. So I want to use this opportunity to say thanks to Courtyard Marriott for hosting us because when we asked of you, you rise to the occasion. We want to thank our coach, the Marley Foundation, the Government, all of these people make this happen along with the JFF,” Anderson pointed out.

The Reggae Girlz, who are drawn in Group F along with France, Brazil and Panama, will have a friendly game against Morocco on July 16.

The Jamaicans will open their World Cup campaign against France on July 23 before taking on Panama six days later and round out their group fixtures against Brazil on August 2 in a repeat of 2019.

Head Coach Lorne Donaldson had high praises for the team as they fine-tune preparations for the tournament and he promised to get the Jamaican “band waggonists” on board.

He also thanked the hotel for their hospitality and Arnett Gardens for the training facility.

“They [hotel and Arnett Gardens Football Club] didn’t have to do it, but they helped us out tremendously. I want to thank all the girls for sticking together. We are in a foxhole and we can’t breach the foxhole unless we stick together and fight,” said Donaldson.

“But most of all, I want to thank the Jamaican people and, hopefully, when the ball starts to roll, we will see the excitement. I know it will come. I know Jamaica is a country with a lot of band waggonists, so I hope they jump on the bandwagon sooner than later. We are going to make them jump on the bandwagon,” he ended.