Busby hails JWPL’s improvement after adding Ashley to Girlz squad

Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby said the introduction of Shanae Ashley to his squad for the Concacaf W Qualifiers is a credit to the improvement of the local Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL).

Ashley, a Jamaica youth international, received a late call-up to Busby’s squad following the withdrawal of Jody Brown.

Brown misses out on the final games in Group B as her club, Olympique de Marseille, believed it was better to keep her in France for further monitoring as she recently returned from injury.

The captain of Real Mona, Ashley has been a rising talent in Jamaica’s local scene when in 2019, at just 11 years old, she scored her first goal in the JWPL.

Ashley has represented Jamaica at various age groups, and is a key member of Reinas Academy, one of the main women’s football academy in Jamaica.

Given her experience, Busby had little hesitation in handling Ashley a call-up and said she had been settling well within the team.

He said one of the main reasons behind her selection was to introduce her to a professional standard and understand where she needs to be to transition into the senior ranks.

“It allows for her to see what that level is, and you’re not going to know what it is until you’re inside to see just how high the standard is with players on the pitch that she has to come and compete with,” Busby explained.

“So it’s been good. It’s not just about the football, it’s about also teaching her what it means to be a professional, both on and off the pitch.”

A WATCHFUL EYE

Busby said the improvement of the JWPL, particularly their ability to broadcast games on a weekly basis, ensures he and his coaching staff are able to keep a watchful eye on emerging talents.

“Contrary to what people might think, we’ve got a really good pulse on [the JWPL],” Busby said.

“I’m here a lot of the time to watch the games. Credit to the Women’s Premier League for posting, so even if we’re not on the island, we’re picking up on games and we have connections within the clubs in terms of what’s happening.”

Busby explained Ashley’s call-up will not only be beneficial for her, but will inspire other local players who aspire to wear the national colours.

He pointed particularly to young players who have now received a new avenue to develop their talents.

“I think what’s really important now is we look and identify some of these young players who can come in and not just necessarily compete right now, but can train to raise their level to see what it’s like,” the Reggae Girlz boss explained.

“I think a lot of those things are not spoken of often enough, and so if we can help guide those young players, and then she can leave that environment and go back to her environment and inspire other people, because then she raises standards within her environment.”

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com