Real Mona gets Douglas-sized title push

Real Mona have strengthened their squad for a maiden Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) title bid with the signing of experienced striker Shikira Douglas following their semi-final exit in their debut season.

Real Mona were eliminated by eventual champions Frazsiers Whip last season, and head coach Neo Oxford told The Gleaner that the campaign was a learning experience that the club hopes to build on with the addition of Douglas.

“Last year we were knocking on the door in our first season, and we thought that we have the potential to go further, and a signing like Shakira Douglas is especially what we need as a club at this time,” Oxford said.

“As we continue to grow the younger girls in the team, bringing in somebody with her (Douglas’) potential, her leadership capabilities, and her skill and talent is exactly what the team needs at this time, and we think that she is the right fit,” Oxford told The Gleaner.

Douglas scored 18 goals for beaten finalists Arnett Gardens during the 2025-26 season and believes she can make a significant impact for Real Mona in the upcoming campaign.

“I’m super excited to be amongst the Real Mona team and just looking forward to experience a lot with the new girls I’m about to play with, and a lot more,” Douglas told The Gleaner.

“It’s all about just a new opportunity, a different experience,” she said of the move.

“I’ve been at Arnett for, like, about 10 years plus, and nothing is wrong with change.”

Developing young talent

Oxford said Real Mona had attracted interest from several players but remained selective because of their commitment to developing young talent.

“Many transfers asked to join the team, but we are very sceptical with who we allow around the younger girls as we look to grow them, and that’s a perfect fit for the team as we go on to try and win the title this year,” he disclosed.

“We reached the semi-finals last year, and we’ve shown that intention today with signing a player who scored goals last season to show that we are coming to challenge and that teams have to be aware of us now, not just as a team that plays good football but as one with a deadly striker in front of them,” he said.

Douglas said she is looking forward to building chemistry with her new teammates and scoring as many goals as possible.

“Whereas they are young players, physically fit, very active, I’m excited for this, to be amongst the new girls,” she told The Gleaner.

With Douglas now leading the line, Real Mona will enter the new campaign with added confidence in front of goal.

A start date for the new season has not yet been announced.