Bob Marley’s daughter is lauded as the ‘fairy godmother’ of the Jamaican women’s team

The daughter of the iconic reggae musician Bob Marley, Cedella Marley, has become a symbol of inspiration and support for the Jamaican women’s soccer team, currently playing in their second Women’s World Cup. Known affectionately as the team’s “fairy godmother,” she has been relentless in advocating for and raising funds for the Reggae Girlz. After the team was disbanded in 2008, Cedella’s commitment helped resurrect and bolster the squad, leading them to the round of 16 in the tournament, with a match against Colombia in Melbourne, Australia on the schedule.

Player Deneisha Blackwood praised Cedella’s vital role, expressing deep appreciation for all that she’s done for the team, likening her to their very own fairy godmother. Her actions haven’t only been about the sport; Cedella has connected with the players as human beings, something the team members have cherished.

The Reggae Girlz faced a challenging history, disbanding after failing to qualify for the 2007 World Cup and 2008 Olympics. Upon discovering that the Jamaican soccer federation had ceased funding the team in 2014, Marley stepped in with hopes to help them reach the 2015 World Cup. While that goal wasn’t realized, the Marley name reignited interest in the team, and they secured their place in the tournament in 2019.

Jamaica’s coach, Lorne Donaldson, emphasized that Cedella has been the backbone of the team, declaring that without her push to restart the program, there would have been no women’s football in Jamaica.

Funding remains a concern, with the Bob Marley Foundation among the sponsors and GoFundMe campaigns set up to help with costs related to the World Cup. Previous issues related to pay and other problems have been aired by players, prompting the Jamaican Football Federation to acknowledge imperfections and work towards resolving them.

The hope is that success at the current World Cup will result in the long-desired support for the Reggae Girlz. Blackwood’s thoughts on Cedella perhaps best encapsulate her impact: “I think the best thing about her is she actually sees us not just as football players but as human beings. And I think that is just something that we’ve always wanted.” Her belief in the team continues to fuel their determination on and off the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about It appears that your response box is empty. If you have any further questions or need clarification on something, please don’t hesitate to ask!