Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive and a proud Jamaican recently congratulated the Jamaican national women’s soccer team. The team created history in Australia. Jamaica’s women’s soccer team has qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time ever. They defeated the strong team from Brazil and won a spot in the tournament. Bolt found himself inspired by their determination and shared a post on his social media account to commemorate their triumph.

The team faced numerous challenges, but they defied all odds. The country did not support the team with any resources for a long time. The team still remained resolute to earn the respect of the country. Now with their determination, the athletes have managed to do just that.

The Reggae Girlz win praise with their determination

The team stayed dormant for many years because of the lack of funds. But they never gave up hope. They saw the first glimpse of success when the team qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, they were eliminated in the Groups stage without even one win. In 2023, the team made a strong comeback and moved into Round 16 of the tournament. The Reggae Girlz became the first Caribbean team to do so. No one could believe their eyes that a Jamaican team had managed to eliminate the Brazilian team after a tie.

Usain Bolt expressed his support for the team with an Instagram post captioned, “History Congrats Girls 🇯🇲 #ReggaeGirlz”. This victory came despite the lack of support from the country. The Jamaican Football Federation or the JFF stopped providing financial support to the team in 2008 because of no funds. They have even tried to disband the team twice in the last 15 years. The JFF prioritized the men’s team and redirected funds toward their development and training programs.

As a result, the Reggae Girlz have had to rely on individual sponsorships to cover their expenses. The team was doomed until reggae superstar Bob Marley’s daughter, Cedella Marley, stepped in to help in 2014. She even produced a single to raise money and the rest was given by the Bob Marley Foundation.  Now, with the iconic sprinter’s support, the JFF’s attitude towards the team may change from what it was in the past.

JFF changes stance after Usain Bolt’s support

The attitude of the JFF has softened for the women’s team and they have asked the Jamaican government to provide the fund for the team. The JFF has limited funds and has never been able to provide adequate financial support for the national teams. This issue has become worse due to the rampant disorganization and corruption within the Federation.

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A parent of one of the players started the page with the title “Reggae Girlz Rise Up” and collected nearly $50,000. The team used that money to reach Melbourne for the tournament. After defeating the Brazilian team, Drew Spence, the team’s midfielder shouted at the JFF saying, “We told you!” Lorne Donaldson, the team’s coach pleaded with the Federation to recognize the potential of the team and invest in their future. Every athlete that expends their blood and sweat does so for their country. The nation should support its athletes, especially when they prove themselves on an international stage.

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