'Shaw the perfect role model'

National senior women's coach Hue Menzies and Minister of Sport Olivia Grange have described 21-year-old football star Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw as an exceptional role model for the nation's young females.

Both Menzies and Grange said Shaw is a shining example for young ladies faced with adversity after she became the third recipient of the United Kingdom's The Guardian newspaper's Footballer of the Year award yesterday.

Shaw, Jamaica's leading player in the historic qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup in France next year, joins other world superstars such as Italian Fabio Piscane in 2016 and Spain's and Manchester United's, Juan Mata in 2017, as winners of the award.

The award was conceptualised three years ago and is bestowed on a player who has done something remarkable, whether by overcoming adversity, helping others, or setting a sporting example by acting with exceptional honesty, and Shaw was the person the Guardian thought best matched these criteria in 2018.

"Most young ladies who live in poor communities that are struggling should look up to Khadija," Menzies told The Gleaner. "She is a perfect role model. She has created history for her country, family, and her community. You can't have a better person for those young girls to look up to."

Similar views

In a release, Grange expressed similar views. "Khadija has been a great role model not just on the football field but also with her league team, the Lady Volunteers, and her national team, the Reggae Girlz. She has demonstrated the ability to rise above personal tragedy by keeping her eye on the ball.

"It must have been very difficult to have lost four brothers and still find the fortitude to pursue her dreams. It gives me even greater pleasure in congratulating her knowing that she is from Spanish Town. I want young ladies across the country to look at her and the other Reggae Girlz and see what is possible in life," her statement said. Grange is the member of Parliament for St Catherine Central, which also includes Spanish Town.

Grange added that the award was even more significant since Shaw was the first female winner.

"The world is taking notice of Jamaica's women's football and this is further encouragement to players at all levels that despite their circumstances, with the right attitude, approach, and support, they can make it on the international stage," Grange said.

Menzies also said that Shaw deserved the award.

"As was explained in the (Guardian) article, Khadija has been through a lot of adversity, but she has set goals and wants to achieve them ... and she is on target." he said.

"It (award) will create a lot of respect for her from her teammates, the media, and people who are just getting to know who she really is," he added.