Carib Scope

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  • Piton Boyz aiming to win, says new coach

    Piton Boyz aiming to win, says new coach

    Fresh off his official introduction as the senior men’s national football team head coach of Saint Lucia, Rajesh Latchoo has announced a carefully curated 25-player roster that balances veteran know-how and emerging young talent for his debut fixture at the helm: a pivotal Concacaf Nations League League B Group B clash against regional rival Barbados. Dubbed the Piton Boyz, Saint Lucia will kick off their 2024/25 Nations League campaign this Friday at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, facing off against Barbados’ Bajan Tridents in what marks the first test of Latchoo’s leadership.

    Latchoo was formally appointed to the top job during an official press conference held Tuesday morning at the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) headquarters, where he laid out his dual track vision for the national program: a long-term strategic roadmap built to grow the sport across the island, paired with clear, ambitious short-term targets. For the upcoming Nations League group stage, the new head coach made his priorities unambiguous: secure all 18 available points to claim the top spot in Group B. “18 points is the only way to guarantee we finish first — we don’t want to leave our fate to other results, that is our non-negotiable mission,” Latchoo stated.

    Acknowledging the compressed five-day preparation window ahead of Friday’s opening match, Latchoo noted that elite international football often operates on tight timelines, and he expressed full confidence in his squad’s capabilities. “The staff and SLFA are pulling out all stops to get players match ready. Even with the short turnaround, these players have the skill and competitiveness to deliver,” he said. The coach also emphasized that national team success requires collective buy-in across the entire country, calling for widespread public backing ahead of the campaign. “Qualification isn’t just a job for the players, the coaching staff or the FA — it needs the whole nation behind us. If 100% of the country supports this mission, our players can give 100% effort out on the pitch,” he added.

    To support his four-year plan leading up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Latchoo has assembled a new backroom team, including iconic former Saint Lucia international Earl “Ball Hog” Jean. His long-term strategy centers on assigning clear, specialized roles to players across all age groups, with accountability at every level of the program. “Every milestone between now and 2030 matters, and this Nations League campaign is our very first milestone,” Latchoo explained. “Our squad draws together players from different leagues, backgrounds and skill sets, each of them brings unique strengths to the table. We will hold players accountable daily, just as the SLFA, the fans, and the nation will hold our coaching staff and the entire program accountable.”

    The 25-man roster reflects Latchoo’s focus on balancing homegrown talent with players plying their trade overseas. Nearly half the squad — 12 players in total — compete in Saint Lucia’s own Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL), including league top scorers Garvin Reggie of Dennery and Yanic Noel of La Clery, plus 2023/24 Footballer of the Year and La Clery goalkeeper Devone St Prix. Six of the domestic-based players hail from the two-time defending SPFL champions.

    Four players currently play in Jamaica’s top flight: goalkeepers Vino Barclett (Montego Bay Utd) and Darren Donaie (Cavalier SC), defender Melvin Doxilly (Montego Bay Utd) and young attacker Shevon Byron (Mount Pleasant FA). Two defenders, Terell Thomas and Arkell Jude Boyd, join the squad from clubs in the United Kingdom, with Boyd plying his trade at Shrewsbury Town FC and Thomas currently unattached. Promising attacker Donavan Phillip earns his call-up from MLS side Colorado Rapids in the United States.

    Veteran fullback Kurt Frederick links up from Antigua & Barbuda’s Grenades FC, while midfielder Jason Similien returns to the national fold from Germany’s AC Italia Hilden. Caniggia Elva, a forward, joins from Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC, and attacker Djal Augustin comes in from Poland’s Warta Srem. Age-wise, the squad leans into Latchoo’s youth-focused long-term vision: only six players are aged 30 or older, just two are teenagers, and the majority of the roster falls in their early 20s, creating a mix of experience and upside that the coaching staff hopes will deliver a strong opening result on Friday.

  • Cap Cana brings together sport and luxury at Imperial Polo Cup

    Cap Cana brings together sport and luxury at Imperial Polo Cup

    CAP CANA – The sun-drenched polo fields of Cap Cana drew the curtain on the 2024 summer equestrian season on a high note, as the annual Imperial Polo Cup brought together top-ranked players, distinguished guests and passionate equestrian sports fans for an afternoon that blended elite athletic competition, luxury hospitality and world-class leisure experiences. What began as a routine seasonal finale quickly transformed into a memorable showcase of Cap Cana’s growing reputation as a premium destination for high-end lifestyle and sporting events, with every element of the day tailored to combine competitive edge with relaxed, elegant social connection.

    From the first throw-in to the final whistle, the atmosphere on and off the field crackled with energy. Two elite teams, sponsored by co-hosts The St. Regis Cap Cana and Ron Barceló’s Barceló Imperial, faced off in what would become one of the most tightly contested matches of the entire summer season. The St. Regis roster was anchored by captain Roberto García Bisonó, alongside teammates Pedro Castillo (Jr.), José Cedano and José Calazans, while Barceló Imperial countered with a lineup led by captain Robbie García, featuring Ricardo Tirado, Mauricio Bogaert and Rafa García. For nearly the entire match, neither side could gain a decisive upper hand; the score remained deadlocked through the final minutes of regulation, and when the final horn sounded, the two teams finished all square at eight goals apiece.

    Off the pitch, the event offered far more than just athletic competition, leaning into polo’s longstanding reputation as a hub for luxury social gathering. Guests spread out along the edge of the field, soaking in the warm coastal breeze while admiring the power of competing horses and the precise skill of the professional players. Complementing the on-field action was a curated lineup of culinary and hospitality experiences, highlighted by a standout ceremonial moment that became the talking point of the afternoon: a traditional Perrier-Jouët champagne sabrage demonstration performed by The St. Regis Cap Cana’s team of hospitality experts. The centuries-old bottle-opening technique, which uses a saber to cleanly sever the neck of a champagne bottle, added a dramatic, elegant flourish to the celebration, fitting seamlessly into the festive, refined tone of the day. Guests mingled between chukkers, sampling champagne, catching up with friends and enjoying the world-class hospitality that Cap Cana has become known for.

    Organized by event producer Pedro Castillo Jiménez and co-sponsored by Ron Barceló and The St. Regis Cap Cana, the 2024 Imperial Polo Cup officially closed out the destination’s summer polo calendar. Beyond the match itself, the event solidified polo’s central role in Cap Cana’s lineup of recreational, social and lifestyle experiences, reinforcing the region’s standing as a leading destination for elite equestrian sports and luxury leisure for visitors from around the globe.

  • Sandals Grenada are GCIC Inter-Sector Football Tournament champions

    Sandals Grenada are GCIC Inter-Sector Football Tournament champions

    After nearly 10 weeks of back-and-forth, adrenaline-fueled matches across the island, the 2026 Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCIC) Inter-Sector Football Tournament has wrapped up in a dramatic finale held on 18 September 2026 at Morne Rouge Playing Field. What began as a cross-sector gathering of teams on 1 July at Woburn Playing Field grew into a celebration of athletic grit, collaborative spirit, healthy living, and cross-community connection that brought together squads from both Grenada’s public and private sectors.

    The tournament kicked off with a group stage split into four competitive preliminary zones, where dozens of teams battled for a spot in the knockout rounds. By the end of group play, four squads had risen to the top to claim their zone titles: Acado Grenada took Zone A, MBIA claimed victory in Zone B, Sandals Grenada Beach Resort & Spa secured Zone C, and Geo. F Huggins & Co. Ltd. finished first in Zone D. Their strong performances in group play set the stage for a high-stakes knockout bracket, which ultimately led to a sold-out, unforgettable final night at Morne Rouge. When the final whistle blew, Sandals Grenada Beach Resort & Spa emerged undefeated to claim the 2026 tournament championship title.

    In the final overall standings, Acado Grenada secured second place, while the Grenada Seamen and Waterfront Workers Union (GSWWU) rounded out the top three with a third-place finish. Beyond the final rankings, the tournament delivered far more value than just on-field competition: it created a structured space for employees and organizational leaders from entirely different sectors to connect through healthy rivalry, strengthen internal workplace bonds, encourage consistent physical activity, and build collaborative ties that extend far beyond the pitch into Grenada’s broader business community.

    The conclusion of the tournament was marked by a formal Closing and Awards Ceremony, which drew hundreds of attendees including competing players, team leadership, event sponsors, cheering fans, and distinguished invited guests. During the ceremony, event organizers presented custom trophies, medals, and other prizes to top-placing teams and standout individual award recipients, honoring both their athletic achievements and their contributions to the inclusive, friendly spirit of the event.

    In a post-tournament statement, GCIC offered warm, sincere congratulations to Sandals Grenada Beach Resort & Spa for their championship win. The organization also publicly commended Acado Grenada, GSWWU, and every participating team for their consistent dedication, commitment to fair play, and demonstration of strong sportsmanship throughout the 10-week competition. GCIC also extended its gratitude to all event partners, financial contributors, match officials, volunteer staff, organizing committee members, and community supporters, noting that their collective efforts were the foundational reason the tournament achieved such resounding success.

    As the chamber wraps up this year’s successful edition of the annual event, leadership says it is eager to build on the momentum generated by 2026’s tournament. Moving forward, GCIC plans to continue expanding its sporting initiatives to advance core organizational goals: supporting employee wellness, creating cross-sector networking opportunities, strengthening teamwork across organizations, and deepening community engagement across Grenada.

    Now in its ongoing annual run, the GCIC Inter-Sector Football Tournament was created specifically to unite organizations from every corner of Grenada’s economy under a banner of friendly competitive spirit. The annual event is rooted in core values of fostering teamwork, cross-organizational collaboration, prioritizing public and employee wellness, and building stronger, more connected relationships across Grenada’s entire business community.

  • U-23 Volleyball Team at NORCECA U-23 Copa America Championships

    U-23 Volleyball Team at NORCECA U-23 Copa America Championships

    A new chapter in Grenada’s youth sports history kicked off on September 20, as the country’s first-ever Under-23 national men’s volleyball team departed their home island bound for El Salvador, where they will compete at the 2026 NORCECA U-23 Copa America Championships from September 20 to 28.

    This tournament appearance is far more than just another competition for the small Caribbean nation: it marks a groundbreaking milestone for Grenadian volleyball, as this is the first time the country has ever fielded a team for the regional continental championship. For the squad of rising young athletes, the 9-day tournament represents a one-of-a-kind chance to go head-to-head with top-ranked programs from across the North, Central America and Caribbean region, honing their competitive skills and earning high-level international match experience that cannot be replicated in domestic training.

    Helming the historic squad is head coach Dan Girleanu, with Jerron Phillip stepping into the role of assistant coach, who accompanied the team on their departure from Grenada on Sunday, September 20.

    The team’s historic participation is rooted in sustained investment from the Government of Grenada through its Ministry of Youth and Sports, which has prioritized building structured pathways for young local athletes to access elite training, high-stakes regional and international competition, and global exposure. Backing young athletes’ participation in major tournaments like the NORCECA U-23 Copa America aligns with the government’s broader strategic goals: empowering Grenada’s youth population, encouraging widespread adoption of healthy active lifestyles, and nurturing national pride through athletic achievement.

    Hon. Delma Thomas, Grenada’s Minister for Youth and Sports, offered formal congratulations to the entire squad for reaching this unprecedented milestone, urging the athletes to compete with discipline, honor and unwavering national pride as they take the court. The Ministry also extended public gratitude to all stakeholders who made the team’s journey possible, including coaching staff, players’ families, event sponsors, national sporting associations and other community partners.

    As Grenada continues to expand access to youth athletic development programs and engagement opportunities, the government has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to equipping young people with the tools and support needed to succeed both on the volleyball court and in their personal lives off the pitch, while supporting them to carry Grenada’s flag proudly on regional and world stages.

    As the team embarks on this landmark journey, the Ministry of Youth and Sports extended its warm wishes for a successful and memorable tournament for the squad, as they make their debut on one of the region’s highest-level competitive volleyball platforms.

  • Top ten finishes for two Barbadians during 5K in Trinidad

    Top ten finishes for two Barbadians during 5K in Trinidad

    As Caribbean distance running continues to grow its competitive profile across regional events, Barbadian athletes turned in standout performances at Sunday’s Venture Credit Union 5K hosted in Trinidad, with veteran runner Carlie Robinson using the race as a critical preparation step for October’s high-profile Mizuno Half Marathon in Amsterdam.

    Robinson, a seasoned competitor with a string of regional results under her belt, secured a podium spot in the women’s open division, crossing the finish line in 18 minutes and 33 seconds to claim third place. She held her own against a stacked field of top regional runners, finishing only behind two leading athletes from the host nation Trinidad and Tobago: Nyla Kerr, a rising middle-distance star who claimed gold in the 1500-meter event at the 2026 CARIFTA Games, took the top spot with a time of 17:48, while Alexia John followed closely in second at 17:52.

    The result comes on the heels of a major career milestone for Robinson earlier this year. In June, she notched her most significant career win to date, taking home the title at the CARICOM Chairman’s Cup Elite 10K hosted in Saint Lucia, cementing her status as one of the region’s top female distance runners.

    In the men’s open race, Trinidad’s Tafari Waldron claimed the top prize with a winning time of 14:30. He was followed across the line by Kenyan runner Alex Ekesa, who finished second in 15:02, and Trinidadian Donnell Francis, who rounded out the men’s podium in 15:37. Barbados also had another strong showing in the men’s division: Joshua Hunte finished sixth overall with a time of 16:25 and additionally took home a prize in his age-group category.

    The dual strong performances from Robinson and Hunte marked a notable Barbadian presence at the regional 5K event, shining a spotlight on the consistent progress and rising competitiveness of the island nation’s distance running program on the Caribbean competitive circuit. For Robinson in particular, the solid podium finish serves as a promising confidence boost and key training test as she enters the final phase of preparation for the Amsterdam half marathon next month.

  • PM Mottley highlights sports investment following CPL final

    PM Mottley highlights sports investment following CPL final

    The 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final capped off an unforgettable tournament at Bridgetown’s iconic Kensington Oval, widely celebrated as the spiritual home of Caribbean cricket, with an historic upset that saw the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons claim their first-ever league title with a dominant eight-wicket victory over the Jamaica Kingsmen. In the aftermath of the sold-out clash, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley sat down with reporters to reflect on the event’s far-reaching impact, highlighting how the tournament has cemented cricket’s long-standing role as a unifying thread across the diverse Caribbean region, while pushing for sustained public and private investment in regional sporting infrastructure.

    Mottley opened her remarks by expressing surprise and delight at the unprecedented turnout for the final, noting that while organizers anticipated strong fan engagement, the level of support far exceeded initial projections. “When we made the decision to bring the CPL final back to Kensington Oval this year, we hoped for a good crowd, but we never imagined it would be this overwhelming,” Mottley said. “I have to extend my deepest gratitude to the people of Barbados, and to every fan who traveled from across the region and beyond to be part of this moment.”

    She went on to praise the championship-winning Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, highlighting the team’s consistency, leadership and relentless determination throughout the entire tournament that earned them their historic maiden title. “From the opening match to the final over, the Falcons showed what Caribbean cricket is all about: leadership, commitment and the kind of perseverance that wins championships,” Mottley added.

    When asked about whether Barbados would bid to host the 2025 CPL final, Mottley struck a collaborative tone, acknowledging that multiple Caribbean nations have expressed interest in hosting the event. She confirmed that while Barbados will remain an active candidate to host future finals in the coming years, the country is open to sharing the opportunity with other regional partners. “We’re not greedy. We know other countries are eager to host, and we’re happy to work with them. But make no mistake: Barbados will be in the mix for future finals, whether that’s next year or in the near future,” Mottley said. She added that as cross-regional travel becomes more seamless, fan attendance at CPL matches will only continue to grow, strengthening the sport’s connection across Caribbean communities.

    Beyond the excitement of the final, Mottley used the platform to outline the Barbados government’s long-term strategy for sports development, linking recent local athletic successes to intentional public investment in training programs and infrastructure upgrades across multiple sports. The prime minister emphasized that elite sporting success does not happen by chance, arguing that sustained investment in young athletes is critical to nurturing the next generation of global sports talent. “You cannot step back and hope for good results by accident. You have to invest intentionally in our people and our facilities,” Mottley explained. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done to expand our high-performance center, and we will keep prioritizing investment in our young people. Our athletes are global citizens rooted in Bajan and Caribbean identity, and that’s something we have to nurture.”

    As a key example of the government’s commitment even amid nationwide economic headwinds, Mottley highlighted the ongoing construction of a new national stadium in Waterford. She also noted that the 2024 CPL final has already delivered significant economic benefits to Barbados’s hospitality, tourism and retail sectors, saying she is optimistic that official economic data will reflect strong positive gains from hosting the event, and she looks forward to seeing the final numbers in the coming weeks.

  • Skipper praises Falcons after maiden CPL title

    Skipper praises Falcons after maiden CPL title

    The 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 crowned its first-time champion Sunday at Bridgetown’s iconic Kensington Oval, where Antigua and Barbuda Falcons capped a dominant campaign by defeating Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets to lift the franchise’s maiden title. In front of a packed stadium that drew thousands of cricket fans from across the Caribbean long before the first ball was bowled, the Falcons chased down a 171-run target with three overs to spare, finishing on 173 for two to seal a historic win.

    After winning the toss, Falcons captain Moeen Ali opted to send Jamaica Kingsmen into bat first, a decision that paid off early as the Falcons’ bowling attack put consistent pressure on the Kingsmen’s batting line-up. While most of the Kingsmen batters struggled to find rhythm against disciplined pace and spin, opener Maaz Sadaqat delivered a career-defining innings, anchoring his side’s total with a blistering 114 not out off just 58 deliveries, studded with boundary after boundary. Sadaqat’s knock allowed the Kingsmen to post a competitive 170 for nine from their full 20 overs, with only Saim Ayub managing to reach double figures alongside the centurion, finishing on 29 off 22 balls.

    The Falcons’ bowling unit was led by Player-of-the-Match Sufyan Moqim, who turned in a devastating performance to finish with sensational figures of four wickets for just 14 runs. Alzarri Joseph supported Moqim’s effort with two wickets for 27 runs, keeping the Falcons firmly in control of the match heading into the second innings.

    In response, the Falcons’ top order got off to a solid start and never surrendered the momentum, knocking off the required run rate comfortably across the chase. Wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo anchored the Falcons’ innings with an unbeaten 57 from 34 balls, hitting four fours and one six, while Hasan Nawaz provided steady support with an unbeaten 47 from 35 balls to help the side cross the finish line in the 17th over.

    Following the win, Ali praised his squad’s collective spirit and resilience throughout the tournament, crediting their tight bond off the field for their outstanding results on it. “It’s been a tough journey, but a great journey,” Ali told reporters post-match. “The time’s gone by quickly for us because we enjoyed each other’s company and you can see on the field the way we played. I thought tonight was an outstanding performance again, and I am really, really pleased with the way we performed throughout the competition.”

    Despite falling short of the title in their own CPL finals run, Jamaica Kingsmen captain Rovman Powell expressed immense pride in his side’s progression through the tournament, noting that the Kingsmen had turned their slow start into a deep run by growing into one of the event’s most balanced and cohesive squads. “It’s a good feeling, to be honest. I think it was a very hard-fought campaign for us so I’m so proud of the boys,” Powell said. He added that the batting unit failed to capitalize on the good wicket and strong start provided by Sadaqat, and that the bowling group did not execute as planned in the power play during the Falcons’ chase: “It’s disappointing that as a batting group we didn’t really capitalise on a good start and as a bowling group, we didn’t control the power play as well as we wanted to.”

    Off the field, the 2024 CPL final drew record crowd interest that extended far beyond the two competing franchises. Thousands of fans flooded Kensington Oval hours before the match began, creating heavy vehicular traffic on the venue’s outskirts and overwhelming nearby parking areas. While fans wearing the jerseys of the Falcons and Kingsmen turned out in force, they were outnumbered by large contingents of traveling supporters from the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who packed the stands despite their side’s elimination before the final. A sizable group of fans from Trinidad and Tobago also attended to show their support for the Trinibago Knight Riders, who were knocked out of the competition earlier in the knockout stage.

  • Reon Cuffy’s first international goal gives Dominica 1- 0 win over Anguilla

    Reon Cuffy’s first international goal gives Dominica 1- 0 win over Anguilla

    In a tightly contested international friendly played at Dominica’s home ground Windsor Park Stadium on Monday, a first career international strike from young forward Reon Cuffy handed the Dominica senior men’s national football team a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a resilient Anguilla side.

    The first 45 minutes of the fixture produced no goals, as Anguilla’s well-drilled defensive structure successfully shut down Dominica’s attacking threats. Arriving in Dominica with a newly appointed head coach and eight players based at overseas clubs, Anguilla entered the match as a far more challenging opponent than many casual observers expected, a reality that Dominica head coach Kurt Herd had flagged to his squad ahead of kickoff.

    Speaking after the final whistle, Herd explained that his side struggled to settle into their preferred possession-based game plan in the opening half, as the visitors’ compact organization made breaking through their defensive lines extremely difficult. “The boys weren’t accustomed to that level of compactness, and we simply couldn’t execute the style of play we had planned,” Herd noted.

    To address this issue, the Dominica coaching staff implemented key tactical adjustments at halftime, specifically shifting the team away from the overreliance on long balls that had limited their attacking momentum in the first half. The changes quickly paid off: just four minutes into the second half, Cuffy found the back of the net to break the deadlock and put the home side ahead.

    In the wake of Cuffy’s breakthrough, Dominica dominated possession and created a string of clear scoring opportunities to extend their lead, but wasteful finishing meant the side could not add to their tally. Herd acknowledged that the volume of missed chances created a far tighter finish than the scoreline could have reflected, noting that with better finishing, the result could have been a lopsided scoreline of 7 or 8-1 in Dominica’s favor.

    The missed opportunities have also highlighted a persistent problem that the team will need to address ahead of their upcoming Concacaf Nations League campaign. Herd admitted that finishing has been a longstanding area of concern, dating back to his previous stint as interim head coach, when the side failed to score across multiple fixtures. “It’s clear for everybody to see after that that finishing is still a concern and we have to do something about that,” Herd said. “That’s my job as a coach — to either bring in the players that can do that for us or work with the players we’ve got to get them confident in front of goal.”

    Despite the frustration over wasted chances, Herd highlighted several positive takeaways from the fixture, starting with Cuffy’s milestone first international goal. “On that, I was absolutely delighted to see Reon Cuffy get his first goal for the national team,” he said. “The man deserves nothing more, and I can only praise and credit him for his work to get this moment.”

    The match also marked the senior international debut for goalkeeper Dwight Eloi, who delivered a solid performance to secure a clean sheet against Anguilla. While Herd noted that Eloi showed signs of early-match jitters, including a few occasions where he failed to kill off attacking pressure when given the chance, the head coach praised the debutant for his solid 90-minute performance. The clean sheet was even more impressive given that Dominica was forced to field an entirely new backline following the absence of key defender Titus Sandy, Herd added.

    Overall, Herd expressed satisfaction with the result, but emphasized that the friendly has given the squad clear areas to improve as they prepare for the competitive Concacaf Nations League fixtures on the horizon. “Not too happy with one or two of the chances that we let go, but it gives us something to work on,” he said.

  • Latchoo set to lead Piton Boyz

    Latchoo set to lead Piton Boyz

    Ahead of the highly anticipated 2026-27 Concacaf Nations League, the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. has formally named seasoned football tactician Rajesh Latchoo as the new head coach of the country’s senior men’s national team. The appointment caps a transition period for the side known colloquially as the Piton Boyz, as Latchoo steps into the role vacated by fellow Trinidad and Tobago native Stern John, who guided the squad through 25 competitive matches between 2022 and early 2026.

    Hailing from Princes Town, Trinidad and Tobago, Latchoo brings a well-rounded resume shaped by decades of work across club management, youth development, and regional coaching education. His first senior leadership opportunity arrived at just 27 years old, when he took the reins of Trinidadian club side Joe Public FC. In his early tenure with the team, he delivered immediate success, leading the club to claim the 2011 Digicel Pro Bowl championship.

    Over the course of his career, Latchoo has held a diverse array of roles across Caribbean football. Beyond his time at Joe Public, he has managed top-tier Trinidadian club Morvant Caledonia United, served as an assistant coach for Trinidad and Tobago’s senior women’s national team, and overseen multiple youth national squads. Off the match pitch, he has built a reputation as a leading voice for coaching development in the region: he has worked as a certified coaching instructor for Concacaf, and previously held dual leadership roles with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association as Head of Coach Education and Youth Football Director.

    Latchoo’s most high-profile prior international appointment was a five-year tenure as head coach of the Commonwealth of Dominica’s men’s national team, a post he held from 2017 to 2022. Across 19 official competitive matches during that spell, including Concacaf Nations League fixtures and FIFA World Cup qualification games, he recorded five wins, four draws, and 10 losses. At the club level, he also compiled a 21-match record in charge of Morvant Caledonia United in the TT Pro League alongside his title-winning run at Joe Public FC.

    Notably, Latchoo’s appointment continues a long-running trend for the SLFA, which has now hired three consecutive Trinidad and Tobago-born head coaches for the senior men’s side. He follows Jamaal Shabazz, who held the post from 2019 to 2021, and outgoing coach John, who has since moved on to take the top job with Grenada’s national side.

    For Latchoo, the challenge starts immediately: the Piton Boyz are scheduled to kick off their 2026-27 Nations League campaign in League B, Group B this coming weekend, with two home matches set to take place at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The side will face Barbados this Friday, before taking on Bermuda three days later at the same venue, and will travel to Barbados for a return fixture the following weekend.

    With Latchoo’s deep background in coaching education and youth development, paired with the SLFA’s recent hire of a new technical director, football observers across the Caribbean are keen to see how the new coach will shape the long-term trajectory of Saint Lucian football. Beyond the immediate task of competing in the Nations League, his work will likely impact the growth of the country’s domestic league, the development of junior national teams, and the ongoing evolution of the senior men’s program.

  • Super 50 quarterfinalists settled after weekend games

    Super 50 quarterfinalists settled after weekend games

    The final weekend of group-stage play in the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Men’s Super 50 Tournament delivered high-octane batting drama, headlined by two blistering individual centuries and dominant victories that finalized the knockout stage lineup. Across three competitive groups, teams fought for their place in the upcoming quarterfinals, with Gros Islet, Micoud, and Mon Repos notching lopsided wins to seal their positions, while Central Castries claimed an automatic group lead via forfeit.

    On Saturday at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, Group B’s decider between Gros Islet and Vieux Fort North looked poised for a low-scoring affair early, when Gros Islet slumped to 92 runs with seven wickets down. But a stunning counterattack from lower-order batters Jard Goodman and Tyrel Chicot turned the tide completely, as the pair forged a match-defining 183-run eighth-wicket partnership that propelled their side to a mammoth total.

    Goodman turned in one of the tournament’s standout performances, notching his second century of the competition and finishing unbeaten on 123 runs off just 64 deliveries. His innings included four boundaries and a staggering 13 maximums, while Chicot contributed an equally aggressive 87 runs from 45 balls, with seven fours and seven sixes of his own. By the end of their 26 overs, Gros Islet had posted 323 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

    Vieux Fort North never came close to chasing the daunting target, folding to 133 runs for nine wickets in their allotted overs. Merkenry St Luce top-scored for the side with 27 runs, while Kalvin Williams added 25. Bowler Tarrique Edward claimed two wickets for 32 runs, and Isaiah Jones took two wickets for just six runs to lock in the 190-run victory. The win left the two-time defending champions Gros Islet as the only undefeated side in Group B, with three wins from three matches, while Vieux Fort North ended the preliminary round winless with three losses.

    Across at the Wenn Playing Field in Group A, Micoud delivered an equally dominant performance to secure their quarterfinal spot, beating Dennery by a 234-run margin. Opener Mervin Wells led the charge with a rapid-fire century of his own, scoring 115 runs off only 55 balls for a strike rate of 209, smashing 13 fours and seven sixes along the way. Wells and opening partner Tristan Norbal, who contributed 55 runs from 46 balls, built a 138-run first-wicket stand in less than 12 overs to set the tone for the innings.

    Micoud closed their 24 overs at 288 runs for five wickets, before their bowlers skittled Dennery for just 54 runs in 9.2 overs. Avalinus Callender top-scored for Dennery with 35 runs, but Ted Jonas took three wickets for 23 runs and Mcwayne Vidal claimed two for 28 to seal the win. The result pushed Micoud into second place in Group A with two wins and one loss, behind group leaders and unbeaten Babonneau. Dennery, who previously forfeited a match to Choiseul, finished the preliminary round without a single win.

    Group C’s final matches concluded on Sunday at the Wenn Playing Field, where Mon Repos locked in second place with a 102-run win over Mabouya Valley. Batting first, Mon Repos reached 229 runs for six wickets in 32 overs, powered by half-centuries from Micah Naitram (58), Cody Fontenelle (54 not out), and Shawnil Edward, who hit an unbeaten 60 runs from 33 deliveries including five fours and four sixes.

    Mabouya Valley was bowled out for 127 runs in 16.4 overs in reply: Rick Smith notched 41 runs and Chad Polius added 40, but a devastating spell of bowling from Liam Joseph, who claimed four wickets for just 15 runs, combined with three wickets each from Edward and Fontenelle, secured the win for Mon Repos. Mon Repos ended the group stage with two wins and one loss, while Mabouya Valley finished with one win and two losses. Central Castries claimed the Group C title with three wins, including a walkover victory after Desruisseaux forfeited their Saturday match.

    All three group winners — Babonneau from Group A, Gros Islet from Group B, and Central Castries from Group C — enter the knockout quarterfinal round next weekend with perfect undefeated records from the preliminary stage, positioning them as early favorites to claim the tournament title.