Swaby ready for English challenge with Foxes

HAVING PENNED a two-year contract with Leicester City in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL), Reggae Girl defender Chantelle Swaby is excited to test her mettle against the best teams in England.

She said the chance to sign for Leicester was a great opportunity as she desired to play in the WSL.

Swaby joins the Foxes after departing from French outfit FC Fluery 91, where she spent the last two seasons.

“I feel great to sign,” she said.

“It’s going to be a great experience and a good challenge for me as well. Overall, I’m just excited to get going. I’ve been wanting to come to the WSL for years now, but I just haven’t had the chance to. I’m happy to be here and can’t wait to get started.”

Swaby has been capped 38 times for Jamaica, which includes appearances at two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments in 2019 and 2023.

She also won the Scottish Women’s Premier League with Rangers during her one-year stint with the club.

“Going to Scotland to play for Rangers was my first professional contract abroad, so it was about getting my feet into the water when it came to European football,” Swaby said.

“It was a great experience. I learned a lot and played with and against others at the international level, which was useful.”

Swaby said she is ready to play her part for a Leicester squad that has seen much upheaval during the transfer window.

She is the third signing for the Foxes so far in the summer window, which also includes the appointment of a new manager.

Swaby will be playing under the guidance of former Stade de Reims manager Amandine Miquel.

“I think I’ll be able to adjust to the speed of play, the athleticism and the tactical part of the game as well. The players in France are also playing for top national teams, so being able to play against them will help me here,” she said.

“I like to be a playmaker, getting the ball to the midfielders and forwards; break lines and let them do what they can with the ball, but I still like to be involved and be strong in defence as well.”

Swaby joins a host of Reggae Girlz who also ply their trade in the WSL, including Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, Rebecca Spencer, and Drew Spence.