Arnett Gardens striker Shikira Douglas holds strong dreams of one day wearing the national colours for the Reggae Girlz, and believes she can do so with the increased coverage and development of the Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL).
Douglas has been the leading lady for the Junglists this season, netting eight of Arnett’s 19 goals scored this season.
She was on fire over the weekend, scoring four goals in Arnett’s 5-2 romp over Real Mona, leaving the field with the player-of-the-match award.
Douglas is hopeful her goalscoring form will catch the eye of Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby and said she aspires to one day represent Jamaica.
“Personally, I would like a call-up but let’s put it in God’s hands, you know. Anything is possible. I’m not doubting myself, so it’s a possibility,” Douglas said.
Douglas is particularly inspired by the recent call-up of Real Mona’s captain Shanae Ashley to the Reggae Girlz squad, as well as the increased attention to the JWPL from Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby.
Busby said he has been closely following the JWPL and believes the league has created a platform for local players to matriculate into the national programme.
“Contrary to what people might think, we’ve got a really good pulse on [the JWPL],” Busby had said about the league.
“I’m here a lot of the time to watch the games. Credit to the Women’s Premier League for posting, so, even if we’re not on the island, we’re picking up on games and we have connections within the clubs in terms of what’s happening.”
Douglas said the recent rebrand of the JWPL, and its improvement, have brought major changes for women’s football.
She is especially excited to see the increased number of televised games, which had been a struggle for the league in the past.
“The league is very important because, a few years ago, we didn’t have this much television games. So last year and this year coming up, it’s super, super important,” she said.
“It’s a big thing for the Jamaica Women’s Premier League.”
Douglas is hopeful she can continue to lead the line for Arnett as they aim to improve on their third-place finish from last year.
They sit atop Zone A with an unbeaten record of five wins and one draw, tallying 16 points.
They also boast the second-best record in the league, behind Zone B leaders and defending champions Frazsiers Whip.
gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com
