Jamaica ace Shaw relishes tough Man City test and going the ‘extra mile’ for young footballers in the Caribbean

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Khadija Shaw hopes her rise to the top of the game will inspire young Caribbean players to pursue their football dreams.

The Jamaican star – who turns 25 in January – is reflecting on his journey in the sport which includes his high-profile summer switch to Manchester City.

Khadija Shaw feels being patient with efforts on the pitch will help them progress at Manchester City

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Khadija Shaw feels being patient with efforts on the pitch will help them progress at Manchester Citycredit: Rex

The striker made headlines after sealing a June transfer to the Academy Stadium on a three-year deal after two seasons with French side Bordeaux.

Further, 24, whose team plays Brighton in its first game of 2022, is proud to see young footballers from his country and Man City love star Raheem Sterling.

Shaw, who goes by the nickname Bunny, told FIFA.com: “I was in his shoes once, so I know what it’s like to see someone, for example, Raheem Sterling. It means a lot to me and it means a lot to me.” I get help too.

“Some days when I don’t feel like I can give or go that extra mile, I think about all the other players back home.

“It sometimes helps me get out of bed in the morning and work harder.”

Shaw’s Man City team experienced a tough run in the first half of this tenure, losing four of their first nine games.

The club, which endured its worst start to the WSL season so far, has been battling injury issues with 10 players out of action back in September.

And Shaw struggled with a foot problem that saw the Conti Cup in the league in November and Miss City’s win against Durham in Leicester.

However, improving form has seen City win their last two top-tier games, before their final match of the year against Reading was postponed due to the Covid case.

Prior to this Shaw has enjoyed some decent performances on the pitch, with two goals and one assist in seven WSL appearances.

And the Jamaica forward, who netted 22 times in 20 matches for Bordeaux in his last stint, likes to test his skills in a team that includes 20 senior internationals.

The City ace said: “For me to be here at Manchester City, that alone speaks for itself. I’m enjoying it and I’ll just continue to improve.

“I am adjusting to new coaching, new games, clubs, players.

“One of the biggest things for me is to be patient with myself, trust my instincts, and continue to focus on what I’m good at.

Man City are looking to climb up the WSL table after the team finished second last season

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Man City are looking to climb up the WSL table after the team finished second last seasoncredit: getty

“In terms of the team, it’s an incredible group of players who lead you day in and day out, so I definitely feel like I’m being tested throughout training.”

Shaw and her Jamaican team made history when they became the first Caribbean nation to make it to the Women’s World Cup tournament.

and his squad, currently 51 . is rankedscheduled tribe The best team in the world was the youngest team to compete in the tournament in France in 2019.

While three defeats saw the Reggae Girls crash into the group stage that year, Shaw is confident the team will improve as they bid to qualify for the 2023 competition.

And the team, which plays in the first of four qualifiers for the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship against Bermuda in February, has won and drawn two of its last three international friendlies.

Shaw and his Jamaican team-mates are aiming to qualify for the 2022 CONCACAF Championship and the 2023 World Cup.

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Shaw and his Jamaican team-mates are aiming to qualify for the 2022 CONCACAF Championship and the 2023 World Cup.credit: getty

Shaw said: “After the World Cup we sat down and talked with the (Jamaican football) federation and made our point about what we took from the experience.

“It’s definitely improving, and I know it takes time. As a team, we know that. It’s time to see the progress, the more patient we are.”

“We are all young. With experience and camps and building chemistry within the team, we can certainly continue to improve.”

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