WITH the Jamaica senior women’s football team looking to return to some form of normalcy, Reggae Girl Tiffany Cameron says she is anxious to resume play after an eight-month hiatus.

Cameron, 32, is a member of the Reggae Girlz squad that made history by advancing to the round of 16 in the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year. She last represented Jamaica in the Olympic Games qualification play-off against Canada in September 2023.

She, along with other core members of the team, withdrew their services for several months due to pay and other disputes with the country’s governing football body.

“It always brings joy to my heart to represent Jamaica,” Cameron said.

“While I was away from international duties I watched our games whenever they were streamed online. I was very impressed with some of our young talent. It’s crucial to remember that everyone in our pool of players is valuable and can contribute in their own unique way.”

Cameron’s first assignment back will be a two-match international friendly match away to Brazil on June 1 and June 4. She is one of 18 players of the World Cup squad which has been called up for the Brazil games.

Both teams met at the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, with Brazil winning the first clash 3-0. The Jamaicans fought valiantly for a goalless draw last year, securing their place in the round of 16 for the first time at the global showpiece. That draw also ensured the Brazilians were eliminated from the competition at the group stage.

“I’m excited to build from the World Cup because now we have a mix of World Cup players, a few new players, and some young talent, and so it will be interesting to see how we progress,” she said.

“We have two very challenging games ahead and we have to stay patient and disciplined defensively and know when it’s time to threaten Brazil’s backline.”

Cameron has great expectations for the Reggae Girlz, now that Hubert Busby has returned as head coach.

“I am pleased to have him back,” she said. “In 2020 Coach Busby was building a healthier foundation, on and off the field, for the Reggae Girlz and I expect him to continue to do that. I expect communication and conditions to improve amongst players, staff, and the federation moving forward.”

Busby previously served as the team’s head coach between 2020 and 2021, before he was relieved of his position due to allegations made against him in a sexual misconduct investigation during his time coaching in Canada from 2010 to 2011.

He was later cleared by FIFA of any wrongdoing.

Squad:

Chantelle Swaby

Konya Plummer

Jade Bailey

Denesha Blackwood

Kayla McKenna

Allyson Swaby

Drew Spence

Atlanta Primus

Vyan Sampson

Peyton McNamara

Page Bailey-Gayle

Trudi Carter

Kameron Simmonds

Tiffany Cameron

Sydney Schneider

Rebecca Spencer

Niya Cardoza

Liya Brooks

Amelia Van Zanten

Jody Brown

Israela Groves

Davia Richards

Lauren Reid