With star striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw sidelined indefinitely due to injury, Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby Jr. says the team will be relying on Newcastle United forward Shania Hayles and other attacking options to carry the scoring load as Jamaica prepares for high-profile friendlies against the United States and England in June.
Shaw, who has missed the last two international windows, remains under the supervision of her club, Manchester City, and is not expected to return in time for the upcoming matches.
“She’s still obviously out with her club,” Busby explained. “The report is she’s out indefinitely. I don’t really expect her for these next couple of games just simply because we have to do what’s right in the best interest of her. For a player to come into the fold with us, they have to be playing regularly with their club and released by the club. If those things aren’t happening, then it’s very unlikely she’ll be with us.”
Jamaica will need to be sharp in front of goal as they face world number one-ranked USA and reigning European champions England—two of the most formidable sides in women’s football. In Shaw’s absence, Hayles, who just wrapped up a stellar season with 15 goals for Newcastle United in the English Women’s Championship, is expected to take on a greater role.
“Absolutely, her and some other players as well,” Busby said of Hayles. “I think Shania came in second in the Championship, missed out on the Golden Boot by one goal. She just had a fantastic season.”
Her ability to play across the entire front line is seen as a major tactical advantage.
“The fact that she can play anywhere across the front line makes her skill set very versatile and very valuable for us,” Busby added. “Eventually, we want to be able to integrate her and have her play alongside the likes of Bunny.”
While Shaw’s injury has forced a short-term tactical shift, Busby said the coaching staff is using the opportunity to improve the team’s attacking chemistry and decision-making in the final third—lessons that will also benefit Shaw upon her return.
“She’s the best in the world, in my opinion, inside that box,” he said. “You see what she does for Man City. So we’ve looked at just sort of a blueprint and said, ‘Hey, how do we get her the ball in areas where she does well?’ We’re not taking her outside—we want to put her in situations where she can excel at what she does best.”
“Yes, she can help with the build-up,” Busby continued, “but really, we want her in the box finishing. That’s what we’re working on—getting her the service to be lethal in front of goal.”
Still, Busby insists the team’s style of play must not be overly dependent on any one player.
“It really shouldn’t matter if it’s Bunny or somebody else—we have to look to do the same things all the time. The way we play shouldn’t be constructed around one player but around a philosophy. That said, every team in the world is better with Bunny Shaw in it, and we’re obviously no different. We’re glad she belongs to us.”
With a pair of stern tests awaiting in June, Jamaica’s ability to adapt and evolve without their talismanic striker could prove crucial—not only for the short-term results, but also in laying the groundwork for a more dynamic, balanced attack in the long term.