Sampson backs Reggae Girlz to learn new formation
Published:Tuesday | June 4, 2024 | 12:11 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
REGGAE Girl Vyan Sampson, who formed part of a three-defender backline during Jamaica’s 4-0 defeat against Brazil on Saturday, says playing under a new system will require more time.
“It was obviously quite a difficult game as Brazil is a very strong team. We’ve come in with a new formation that we’re trying to learn, so it was a lot of touch and go for a lot of people. We gave it our best but we have a lot to improve upon come today,” Sampson stated.
The Hubert Busby-coached team will play the second game of their two-match friendly against the number-10 ranked Brazil later today at 5 p.m. Jamaica time.
The 27-year-old Sampson, who plies her trade on the Japanese circuit for JEF United China, said it was obvious where the Reggae Girlz lapsed in their opening game.
“Definitely, our ball retention, as we turned over possession a bit cheaply. I also think we need to be braver on the ball and try to play out some more. These are qualities we have as a group so those are the things we’re going to try and implement for the next game,” she said.
Veteran player Allyson Swaby, who was named captain of the team prior to the first game, didn’t feature throughout the 90 minutes. Sampson believes that the AC Milan standout’s inclusion could provide a much-needed boost for the defensive unit.
“Allyson is a great defender that comes with a lot of qualities and experience, so that will do more good than harm.”
Sampson, who featured for the Reggae Girlz at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, said the squad is a good mixture of youth and experience.
She added that part of her duty is to help guide the younger players within the team and help them grow into playing at the senior level.
“We’ve got a lot of youth, so a lot of the players need a bit of game time to grow into senior football. However, the group is quite balanced in age and experience, so hopefully we, the older players, can pass on some good things to the younger players and hopefully they can take a lot from these experiences and opportunities that they’re getting.”