Craft-Lettman to lead Reggae Girlz at CAC Games as Busby steps aside

National under-20 women's coach Lee Craft-Lettman will take interim charge of the senior Reggae Girlz at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, after head coach Hubert Busby Jr. confirmed he cannot travel because of family commitments.

Speaking at a Jamaica Football Federation press conference yesterday, Busby said he would remain involved in an advisory capacity while Craft-Lettman runs the side on the ground.

"I will not be with the group. Coach Lettman will be the head coach of the group. I'll continue to work with them as in an advisory role, but I will not be with the group due to family commitments," Busby said. He added that the coaching staff would keep working together ahead of and during the tournament.

Craft-Lettman said his existing ties to the women's programme should help the transition. He has been training with the senior players in Kingston and more recently in Montego Bay, and previously travelled with some of the squad under Coach Xavier for matches in Panama and Guatemala. Several of his under-20 players are also moving into the senior pool, among them Jalia Cox and Destiny Powell, who have been in and out of sessions. He noted he had also coached the under-17 group before the under-20 side, underscoring what he described as close collaboration across Jamaica's female coaching setup.

"Once we are in the seat of the national program, we always tend to put our best foot forward with whatever player we have to work with," Craft-Lettman said.

The JFF has named an 18-player squad for the CAC Games in Santo Domingo, which begin on July 24. Locally developed talents Destiny Powell, Davia Richards and Risha Walker are among those selected.

Goalkeepers are Leah Brooks and Maria Scott. The defensive line includes Nejerie Butts, Akelia Johnson, Anderson, Jalia Cox Mcferson, Khalila Daley and Shanae Ashley. Midfielders are Lola Nesbeth, Peyton McNamara and Samantha Leo, alongside Richards and Powell. Forwards are Maya McDermott, Melania Johnson, Mighty Phoenix White and Alyssa Stevenson, with Walker also in the attack.

Jamaica open their group campaign against Colombia on July 29, then meet Puerto Rico on July 31 and Mexico on August 2.