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Samuda calls for Olympic support for Girlz
September 15, 2023
President of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), Christopher Samuda, urges local football support for the Reggae Girlz when they clash with Canada in the Olympic Games qualifier at the National Stadium on September 22.
The Reggae Girlz are on a historic push to make their first Olympic Games and are coming off their round of 16 appearance at the recently concluded FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
They will qualify for the Olympic Games by winning what is expected to be a highly contested two-leg battle with Canada, which will conclude in Canada on September 26.
"History is at the feet of our Reggae Girlz at the Olympic Games qualifiers, and we must give them every support and empower them to write another pioneering chapter in the sport," Samuda stated.
The Lorne Donaldson-coached Reggae Girlz, since the FIFA World Cup in August, have risen to a best-ever ranking of 37th in the world, while Canada, who failed to progress beyond the group stages, have slipped to 10th.
President Samuda outlined that the Girlz will need all the support to ensure they control the Canadians on their turf.
"On the 22nd, the Jamaican massive must turn out at the National Stadium in our black, green and gold and make a statement that will electrify the Girlz to conquer and give them that confidence and inspiration to seal the deal in Toronto in the second leg," Samuda outlined.
According to reports, the return leg in Canada has been sold out in the winner-take-all two-way tie. Samuda stated that Jamaicans must do their part in ensuring that the Khadija Shaw-captained Girlz feel the same energy inside the National Stadium with the Paris Olympic Games beckoning.
"Already, the second leg in Toronto has been sold out, so the Kingston leg must sell off in sending off the girls in royal style. Jamaicans, let us grasp this moment in the nation's life and live it to the fullest. The Girlz are deserving, and the Paris Olympic Games awaits their arrival," Samuda said.
