Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts says it is not yet certain whether the senior women's national team will have practice games ahead of their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign next month.
The Reggae Girlz begin their campaign at their second consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup when they take on one of the tournament favourites France in Sydney, Australia, on July 23, but first go into a training camp to make final preparation for the tournament. Jamaica will face Panama in their second game in Perth, Australia, on July 29, then Brazil, another title contender, in Melbourne, Australia, on August 2.
The JFF initially said that it wanted the team to take part in international friendly matches locally and overseas before the tournament and also have a training camp in Amsterdam.
But Ricketts says such plans are dependent on funding, which at the moment is limited, and also on how Head Coach Lorne Donaldson wants to prepare.
"It is not 100 per cent confirmed, but we had an extensive meeting recently with [Sport] Minister [Olivia] Grange and her team; the Marley Foundation, Cedella Marley and her team; and of course, the JFF," Ricketts said.
"We are looking to have the Girlz here. The coach is not absolutely sure whether or not he would want to play a game or just to have a camp, but we will make a determination, of course, by having discussions with the coach and his team as to exactly what he wants and we'll certainly try as best as we can to give the coach what he wants.
"The Girlz will definitely be here before they go to Amsterdam."
HOUSE RULES
- We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
- Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
- We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
- Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
- Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
- If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
- Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
