Former national women’s football captain Konya Plummer dreams of being at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July-August, despite not playing internationally since June 2021 or professionally since November 2021.
In July last year, Plummer, a former player for Orlando Pride in the USA and Allmanna Idrottsklubben (AIK) in Sweden, announced that she was pregnant and has not played competitively since.
After giving birth to a healthy baby boy, the 25-year-old started training with Jamaica Premier League’s (JPL) Arnett Gardens and has been to several of the Reggae Girlz’ training camps for the coaches to assess her readiness for reintegration.
Although not playing competitively for over two years puts her at a disadvantage, Plummer believes her fitness has improved and has her fingers crossed that the Lorne Donaldson-led coaching staff sees her progress as adequate to include her in the final squad.
“Going to the World Cup with Jamaica is a goal of mine. I have been there once, and after coming back and giving birth, I think it is important for young girls and people around the world, but most importantly Jamaica, to see that you can have a family and still come back and play,” Plummer said.
“Training at Arnett is a blessing. The coaching staff and players have been really helpful. Every day I learn something new, and I think it is important to train with the boys because they are faster and stronger,” Plummer pointed out.
“I am getting ready to see if I can make the World Cup squad. I am working to improve my fitness overall. So each day I train, I get stronger. My confidence is growing, and I want to do this (make the squad) for my family and fans. So I am just doing what I need to do and focus on me and leave the rest up to the coaches,” she continued.
She insists that even if she is not selected, there is life after the World Cup.
“The most important thing is that I am coming back. The World Cup is not the end of the road for me, regardless I make the team or not. I am just happy to be here,” she stated.
Plummer hopes to return to playing professional football soon and revealed she was in talks with some clubs but is taking her time to make the right choice.
“I am talking with clubs, but not in a rush. I recently fired my agent, but I trust in God, and whatever is happening, I put Him first.
“He has something bigger planned for me. I was told I was not going to get called up because I am not playing in a club, but I trust God and not rushing because the World Cup is not the end of the road.
“So even after the World Cup is over, I still have a life to live, but each day I just take it one step at a time, and everything will fall into place,” she said.