Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz will tackle South Africa in the first of two International Friendlies tonight at the Montego Bay Sports Complex at 8pm as preparations for World Cup qualifiers intensify.

Jamaica will play South Africa again on Monday, December 2 and head coach Hubert Busby believes his charges are ready.

“It’s about laying the foundation, the building blocks for success both on and off the pitch, which is just as important if things are happening on the pitch,” said Busby. “So, it’s important that we take two good performances and obviously results heading into the February window and that should be a good foundation again for us to get ready for the World Cup qualifiers later on in the year.”

Busby will welcome back the inspirational captain Khadija Shaw and Konya Plummer to the squad after they missed the 0-3 defeat to France last month. The players have been in camp since Monday, November 25.

“I think it’s gone well. I think there’s been challenges logistically. The weather hasn’t been helpful, but I think credit to the players and staff that did an excellent job of being able to stay focused on the task at hand and just another great opportunity for us to come together as a team,” Busby pointed out.

The Jamaican team have been active in the last couple of international windows and Busby believes they are where they should be in terms of preparation. “Every single window has been utilized so we’re really ahead of the game now as opposed to when I first came in. I think there’s obviously a little bit of gap in between,” he noted.

“So, we’re clearly up to speed now in terms of utilizing each and every window and making sure that we have the right opponent that sort of fits what we’re looking for, especially as it pertains to CONCACAF,” he added. “It’s just a great opportunity for us to be in another part of the country which is again a big part in spreading the game and growing it throughout the country to bring into Montego Bay. So, looking forward to seeing a packed house on Friday and on Monday.”