In the high-stakes world of international football, where dual-national players are increasingly courted by multiple countries, Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby made it clear that representing Jamaica is not just about  opportunity but more about passion.

Busby's comments came as he addressed the vetting process for overseas-based recruits, highlighting that the national programme does not have the financial resources of wealthier nations. However, he believes the emotional connection to Jamaica, along with the exposure and competitive opportunities provided by the Reggae Girlz, makes the team an attractive choice.

"We do go through a vetting process when we bring new players on. We speak with them, sometimes their agents, sometimes their families, to understand why they want to play for Jamaica. So there's an attachment of why they want to play for Jamaica. The second thing is why it's also beneficial for them going forward. And we've had to deal with that, financial aspects aside, and I think we're doing the best we can with the resources we have," Busby told journalists during a virtual press conference on Friday.

US-born Allyson Swaby in action against Peru.

While financial incentives may be limited, Busby pointed out that playing for Jamaica, currently at 40 on the FIFA Women's rankings, offers other benefits, such as high-profile matches that can serve as a springboard for club careers.

"All we can do is put them in the best spotlight so that they can benefit. That means playing high-profile matches on the world stage, allowing them to get marketing and career opportunities. It also helps raise the profile of our team, as we are currently just ranked outside the top 30, so that push will help us," Busby stated.

"So there are two different sides to that because, on one hand, what we really focus on is the technical and making sure that we're winning football matches. But it is a challenge because, we don't have those financial resources to compensate players per match like some of the other countries, but there are other opportunities that we can make up for those gaps, possibly by doing different things," he added.

Rebecca Spencer is among England-born players in the Reggae Girlz set up.

Jamaica’s battle to retain talent is part of a larger global clash between developing nations and more industrialized football powerhouses. With superior infrastructure, funding, and development systems, larger nations are often able to lure dual-national players away.

Busby acknowledges this challenge but insists that an attachment to Jamaica must be a driving factor.

"The reality is, there has to be an attachment. No one plays for a national team just for financial reasons. So I think if we can have that passion to come together with the right environment, then I think we're on the right pathway," Busby reasoned.

Despite the competition for talent, Busby revealed that interest in the Reggae Girlz programme remains high.

"There's not a day that doesn't go by where I don't get a text message from an agent, a parent, or players, especially the young ones, indicating their interest in playing for Jamaica at the Under-20 level. So we're clearly doing something that's attracting these players to the programme and we just have to continue to raise the bar to ensure that this is a place they want to be," he reasoned.

US-born Kayla McKenna, granddaughter to former politician Pearnel Charles.

Interestingly, one such dual-national talent is Amelia “Mimi” Van Zanten, a promising young forward who has impressed in recent outings for Jamaica. However, her recent invitation to a United States Under-23 training camp has sparked concerns about whether she might switch allegiance.

Busby, who has been in direct contact with Van Zanten and her family, remains confident that she will stick with Jamaica. The 20-year-old, whose sister Kalyssa 'Kiki' Van Zanten also represents the Reggae Girlz, was expected to be a part of the camp for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico.

"Mimi is still a youth player, so I think it goes without saying that she's been identified as a quality player for both programmes. I think for us, she knows how much we value her. I gave her a debut in front of 30,000 people in Brazil, and she played two games in Peru. So she knows how we feel, but I think when you're dealing with a lot of dual nationals, there are a lot of different pulls in different directions for different reasons," Busby shared.

'Mimi' Van Zanten (pink headwrap) in Peru with the Reggae Girlz recently.

While Busby acknowledges that dual-nationals face external pressures and recruitment efforts from multiple federations, he stressed that the decision ultimately lies with the player.

“At the end of the day, we want players to ensure that when they make the final decision of where they want to be, it's right for them. Sometimes that may not align with our goals, but for the most part, it works out in the end. So I think all we can do is continue to provide a really good environment with them for them when they come in by allowing them to grow," the tactician said.

"So we wish her the best, and we hope that obviously come the next camp, she's back with us because obviously these are friendly matches before she has to make a final decision for the next game," he ended.