The Reggae Girlz will face a tough South African team when they meet on November 29, revealed head coach Hugh Busby after he scouted them against England recently.

Busby along with new assistant coach Deon Burton, were in Coventry to watch world number two England beat the 50th-ranked South Africa 2-1. Jamaica are ranked 42.

“We were hosted by the English FA and we were able to go and watch England versus South Africa. As we know, it’s great to be able to watch games on film and Wyscout, but there’s nothing that beats watching the game in person,” said Busby. “South Africa was a very, very formidable opponent. They gave England a very good go on the night and in some cases, probably should have done a lot better in front of their own goal in front of the opposition goal.”

“I am excited to have the girls back on home soil in front of their adoring fans and supporters,” said Busby. “But it’s gonna be a good game. They’re a well-coached team and we’re able to evaluate them in that environment.”

Jamaica will host South Africa at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on November 29 and December 2 as they intensify their preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifications which starts in 2025.

“I continued to meet with some clubs, some agents, prospective players and meeting with clubs,” said Busby in keeping a good relationship with all. Busby welcomed back captain Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw along with former captain Konya Plummer, Siobhan Wilson who had been out for nine months with an ACL injury and defensive midfielder Peyton McNamara also earned a recall.

Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Taylor Hinds who made her debut against France was left out along with fellow new invitees from the last camp Lulu Jarvis, Reanna Blades and Natasha Thomas.

Two young players in Destiny Powell and Naya Cardoza received their first call-up to the senior team.

Busby, while reflecting on the last camp, pointed out that they learnt a lot and there were positives despite crashing 0-3 to France. “In terms of playing out of the back and trying to keep possession a bit more, not all the things that we tried obviously came off. But, post analysis, I think there were some really good positive points that to take away and areas and players who I thought we did really well on the night,” he pointed out.

He added: “Obviously, still a lot of growth areas and things that we really need to work on and really need to ensure that we’re cutting down on. The individual mistakes at crucial times, you know, improving our decision-making at the crucial times because we know football is a game of moments.

“There’s moments at this level, you go down one end. You know, it’s a three versus three, and we have an opportunity to finish and we don’t and within 10, 15 minutes you can find the ball in the back of your own net. So, those are the crucial moments that we really need to work on to be better going forward.”

Busby having brought in and seen some players, have left out Liverpool captain Taylor Hinds who made her debut against France along with fellow new invitees from the last camp Lulu Jarvis, Reanna Blades and Natasha Thomas.

Two young players in Destiny Powell and Naya Cardoza received their first call-up to the senior team.

Busby added: “And again, with that said, we’re able to integrate some new players into the squad, into the group. I thought those players who came in who kind of made their debuts and did some things did really well. But more importantly, it was really, pleasing in terms of how they integrated into the group away from the field as well.

“That’s really important keeping that positive team culture and so the players being not just accepting, but obviously understanding that it is a competitive environment and new players will continue to come in. But we’re all working towards the same goal. We’re all working towards the same aim, and that obviously is to get our ticket booked to the World Cup in Brazil in 2027.”