Khadija Shaw Highlights the Lack of Financial Support for Reggae Girlz, Says “They Gave Up On Us!” – Watch Video
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Following Jamaica’s historic match against Brazil at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, Reggae Girlz captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw continues to highlight the lack of financial support the national team received.
The Girlz launched their World Cup campaign in July, drawing 0-0 with France, then made their historic first World Cup win against Panama. The team made history yet again on Wednesday, qualifying for the Round of 16 with their 0-0 draw with Brazil, sending the South American team home early as they were one of the favourites in the competition.
The Girlz’ significant moments may not have been as they faced multiple struggles with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), which nearly ended their chances of attending the competition. The Girlz faced limited funding for the World Cup and were forced to seek crowdfunding, with Sandra Phillips-Brower, the mother of Reggae Girlz midfielder Havana Solaun, setting up a GoFundMe for the team.
The national team has been very vocal regarding the JFF’s many inadequacies, and Shaw continued to highlight the team’s struggles after their win. During a live stream, the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Player of the Year shared that it had been a long journey for the Girlz to make it to the World Cup.
Reflecting on the GoFundMe campaign, Shaw expressed that the team had made many sacrifices. She explained that finally being at the competition and qualifying for the next round was an incredible feeling.
Watch as Shaw gives details on the situation below:
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According to ESPN, approximately US$50,000 was raised from that GoFundMe campaign, with the Girlz getting an additional $46,000 from the GoFundMe campaign launched by the Reggae Girlz Foundation.
Following the Gilrz history-making match, The JFF expressed that they were overcome by emotion, stating that they had “literal tears” in their eyes, a notion that many viewers have found laughable and hypocritical.
Oh you support them now! Where was this support at the start of the tournament. 😳Back them properly. Facilities, money & respect needed asap. Proud of the gal dem💚🖤💛#reggaegirlz no place is better than yard🇯🇲
— Paul Mckenzie (@MaccaTHFC) August 2, 2023
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