Jamaica will be the first Caribbean team to compete in the Women's World Cup in '19.GETTY IMAGES
Bob Marley is one of Jamaica's favorite sons, "but it is the late musician's daughter" who is reveling in the nation's "latest sporting success," according to Katie Falkingham of the BBC. Jamaica this week became the "first Caribbean team to qualify for a women's football World Cup" and it is Cedella Marley -- the first-born daughter of Bob -- who "the Reggae Girlz have to thank." In '10, the team "ceased to exist, only for Marley to come on board four years later" as an ambassador and sponsor with the Bob Marley Foundation and help turn its "fortunes around." That turnaround was completed in Texas on Wednesday, when Jamaica defeated Panama on penalties in the CONCACAF Women's Championship third-place playoff. Head coach Hue Menzies said after the game, "Big up to Cedella Marley for putting her neck on the line for us." Previously a singer with "Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers," Cedella Marley, 51, is now the CEO of her late father's record label "as well as a fashion designer" -- creating Jamaica's kit for London 2012 (BBC, 10/18).
