On the field, they are fierce competitors, trusted teammates, and integral members of Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz. Off the field, Tiffany Cameron and Kayla McKenna share a friendship built on mutual support, accountability, and a shared passion for football.

The two players, who debuted for Jamaica in 2019, opened up about their journey ahead of their second and final game against Peru on Wednesday. The Girlz defeated their South American host 2-0 in the first encounter.

Despite coming from different backgrounds—McKenna, a United States-born striker, and the Canada-born Cameron, a versatile player—their connection runs deep, as both players take utmost pride in representing the country, a privilege they never take for granted.

“It is always an honour every time I'm called up. We're working towards the next World Cup cycle in 2027, so that will be great. And, you know, there's a lot of competition now in our squad, so I never take it for granted. I'm always really excited to come back into camp,” Cameron declared.

Kayla McKenna going through her paces.

McKenna, the granddaughter of retired Jamaican politician Pearnel Charles, shares the same enthusiasm for national duty.

“Yeah, I feel the same. I always look forward to getting called into camp. A chance to represent Jamaica, a chance to be with the girls again and play together and build towards what we're working towards. So, yeah, it's been really exciting,” she said.

The two, who room together in camp, don’t just share a connection on the field but also in their personal lives. Their bond extends beyond training sessions and match days, as they keep tabs on each other’s club performances in Spain’s Liga F and personal well-being.

“With our clubs, yeah, we’re always in the loop with how we're doing. I think that’s really important as well. Not only to be cool in the national team environment, but also outside of that—to build a friendship and a relationship. And our connection on the field is great, just like off-field,” Cameron, who represents Real Betis, stated.

Tiffany Cameron going through a tactical drill.

McKenna, who plays for Madrid CFF, agreed, as she too highlighted the significance of having that kind of unwavering support.

“Yeah. We're constantly keeping up with each other, watching each other's games, following each other's results, and checking in. It’s good to have that support from somebody who you're not on the same club team with but who also watches and supports you from a little distance away,” McKenna noted.

Though Jamaica’s player pool is consistently growing, resulting in increased competition for places, both remain undaunted. In fact, Cameron and McKenna welcome the increased competition as a motivator rather than a threat, especially given that they keep each other sharp.

“I think it starts with check-ins before camp to see how we’re doing,” Cameron explained.

“We sometimes ask each other where we're at mentally, physically, and emotionally. That helps when we're in camp because if one of us is struggling—whether outside of football or within the football world—we know how to support each other,” she added.

Kayla McKenna and Tiffany Cameron in training with teammates.

For McKenna, having Cameron as an accountability partner is invaluable.

“I think having somebody you can not only talk to about sport and football but also about life and the stresses that come along with it is so important. So often, people only see us as footballers, but to have a friendship where someone sees me as a person, knows what I’m going through day-to-day, and can relate to that—it’s really cool,” she shared.

That said, McKenna expressed delight about the direction of Jamaican women’s football, as the national team’s success has inspired more talent to come forward.

“I definitely think so, and it’s really cool to see the pool of players growing. People want to play for Jamaica, even if they weren’t born and raised there. I think the players that came before us have built a brand and a reputation that people want to be a part of now, whether it is to support or to play, so it’s an exciting time for women’s football and for Jamaica,” she reasoned.

While reflecting on their respective careers so far, both unanimously pointed to their historic knockout round appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as their fondest memory so far.

Reggae Girlz celebrate at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

They also agreed that when it comes to personal motivation, faith and purpose play a crucial role in their respective journeys.

“For me, my biggest motivator is my faith and God. Putting all my effort and energy into everything I do for His glory first, and then I’m also motivated by making my family proud,” McKenna said.

Cameron’s drive comes from three key sources.

“I’m motivated by helping the younger generation, setting the tone for them. There are challenges we face as women in this sport, and I want to make it easier for the next group coming up. God is also a big part of my life—He’s my strength and provider. And then, sometimes, it’s just the underdog mentality because, as an athlete and as a nation, we always find a way to prove people wrong,” Cameron ended.