‘Unbelievable feeling’
“I am very fortunate to have world-class players around me who help me to look good,” Shaw said.
Published:Friday | December 29, 2023 | 12:11 AMRoxroy McLean/Contributor
Jamaica’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, says it was an “unbelievable feeling” to be the first player in the Barclays Women’s Soccer League to score three hat-tricks in a calendar year.
The 26-year-old Manchester City striker spoke to The Gleaner at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Wednesday during the top-of-the-table Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clash between Mount Pleasant Academy and Arnett Gardens.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be honest, but for me, that wasn’t really my focus because I am a team player. I am very fortunate to have world-class players around me who help me to look good,” said Reggae Girlz’ captain.
Her groundbreaking achievement follows the 31 goals she scored in last season’s record-breaking campaign.
Shaw’s latest feat came against Everton, bringing her season tally to nine goals. Manchester City won that game with a 4-1 scoreline.
“I think at the end of the day, I just have to put myself in the best possible position to score goals, and it is happening at the moment,” she said.
The Jamaican goal-machine watched intently as Arnett outfought current leaders and defending champions Mount Pleasant to win 2-0 in front of a buzzing home crowd.
Second-half goals from Kimani Arbouine in the 54th-minute and Jareim Thomas in the 69th took the ‘Junglists’ to a point behind their opponents in third.
Second place is currently occupied by Tivoli Gardens, who beat Harbour View 3-0 in an earlier encounter, with a superior goal-difference.
Shaw said she enjoyed the game but made a few observations between management of football locally and abroad.
“I think the biggest thing for me is the resources because I think most of the work comes off the field and in the gym. The fields are mostly up to standard, so you don’t really have to worry about the movement of the ball on a quality field,” she said.
Mount Pleasant lead the JPL standings with 22 points, followed by Tivoli, Arnett and Portmore on 21. Dunbeholden are next on 18 and then Waterhouse, Cavalier and Vere on 15 points each.