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HISTORIC: Reggae Girlz For FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019

• November 2, 2018 • Featured, Regional

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ICYMI…Jamaica has become the first Caribbean nation to qualify for FIFA Women’s World Cup

With the help of team ambassador, Cedella Marley (pictured above), the Jamaican women’s team made history on Oct. 17th in Texas, when they defeated Panama to qualify for the World Cup.

In a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw, Dominique Bond-Flasza made the historic penalty score that landed Jamaica in third place at the CONCACAF Women’s Championship, earning them a maiden trip to the FIFA Women’s World Cup,

But in 2010, the team ceased to exist. It is because of Marley’s love, vision and financial support, that the Reggae Girlz owe their win.

“Big up to Cedella Marley for putting her neck on the line for us,” head coach, Hue Menzie, said after the game.

The Reggae Girlz’s journey has been a long, inspiring and expensive one, but with the support of Cedella Marley, who became the team’s ambassador in 2014, she was able to garner financial support to aid with the team’s dream of qualifying for the main event.

Eight years ago, the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) cut funding to its women’s football team, totally disbanding it, leaving the team unranked in the Fifa world rankings due to three years of inactivity.

Through Cedella (Bob and Rita Marley’s daughter) and the Bob Marley Foundation, the team was able to have their training, travel and other important needs funded.

The irony in it all; their qualification came on the 20th anniversary of the men’s team reaching their first World Cup, in 1998 – also held in France.

We will be cheering on the Reggae Girlz at FIFA Women’s World Cup, in France 2019!

Last modified: November 6, 2018