Despite the Reggae Girlz having less than ideal preparations ahead of their Concacaf Women’s Championship qualifier against hosts Nicaragua, Captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw says she’s expecting a strong performance from the team.

The national senior women’s team take on the Nicaraguan women at the Estadio Nacional in Managua at 7 pm in their second group game.

Jamaica opened their account in November with a commanding 18-0 win over Dominica. However, they sit behind Nicaragua in Group B who have registered consecutive victories in their opening two games.

The Jamaican delegation, who began arriving as early as last Monday, have had to deal with the challenging conditions at their training base in Managua. The Jamaica Observer understands the technical staff, led by Head Coach Hubert Busby, was forced to adjust their schedule due to the heat and the artificial surface.

Shaw admits it will make the game difficult but believes the players will battle through to get the win.

“Obviously most of us are based in Europe, so we aren’t really used to playing on turf. But I think we’ve been here for a couple of days now to try to get accustomed to it and get used to it. It’s not ideal but I think these circumstances are going to happen,” she said.

“We’re going to face challenges, whether we like it or not, but we have to just get on with it and I think we’re just going to go out and try to give a professional performance.”

A win for the Reggae Girlz would see them move to the top group, which would put them in pole position to qualify for the championship and move a step closer to next year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

While admitting Nicaragua will be a tougher test than Dominica, Busby says he’s expecting a top performance from the team.

“This is a World Cup qualifier — there’s nothing being held back. We’re here to get maximum points [and] Nicaragua is here to do the same. We know what’s at stake,” he said.

“We’re coming out here and treating the game accordingly so there’s no way that we’re holding anyone back from this game. We’re going to go out there and obviously build our strongest team possible. I’m really pleased with the fact that we have some depth within the squad so whoever we know that we put on the pitch, we know we can go out there and perform and do the job for the team.”

SQUAD

Goalkeepers – Sydney Schneider, Rebecca Spencer, Liyaa Brooks

Defenders – Tianna Harris, Konya Plummer, Chantelle Swaby, Naya Cardoza, Kameron Simmonds, Tiffany Cameron, Allyson Swaby

Midfielders – Olufolasade Adamolekun, Atlanta Primus, Denelsha Blackwood, Israela Groves, Jade Bailey, Trudi Carter

Forwards – Khadija Shaw, Kayla McKenna, Shaniel Buckley, Natasha Thomas, Shania Hayles, Solai Washington, Kalyssa Van Zanten