With Concacaf representation set to double from two to four teams at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles (LA), President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Michael Ricketts is optimistic about the Reggae Girlz’s chances of achieving another historic feat and qualify for the Games.
Recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) increased the number of women’s football teams at the Olympics from 12 to 16 teams, with Concacaf getting an extra spot, up from two to three.
However, the United States will get an automatic berth as hosts of the 2028 Games, which essentially gives the region two additional spots for LA.
Ricketts sees the coincidence of the increase and hosting rights as a great opportunity to do what no national football team has been able to do, and qualify.
“The number has moved from 12 to 16 teams. So the numbers have increased which, of course, will give us a better opportunity to qualify.
“We have never qualified for an Olympic tournament, on either side of the gender, male or female. If we are able to do that, then certainly it would be another historic exercise for our women’s football team.
“So we are looking forward to this qualification campaign. We are going to turn up preparation, and we are going to give it our best shot,” he said.
For the last qualification campaign, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) threw its full support behind the team and they still fell short.
EVERYONE KNOWS THE MISSION
However, Ricketts added that just like the last time, no effort will be spared to get the Girlz over the line this time, and that everyone aligned with the team knows the mission.
“We have really struggled to get to the Olympics, and we are intent this time and very optimistic the girls will make it.
“They have done well globally, so we are expecting them to again to do well in term of qualification for the Olympics.
“Coach (Hubert) Busby is intent on going to the Olympics, and so are all of us. We will be advocating for some support from Mr (Christopher) Samuda (JOA president). He was very supportive in our last qualification efforts. So we are intent on giving it our best and hope for some good and positive results.
“The numbers have improved and Concacaf will get two more slots. Our women have done so well and we are very optimistic and hopeful that they can again be part of a historic achievement. We would absolutely love to be on that stage, and we are looking forward to it.”
