In a decisive move to bolster their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has appointed Rudolph Speid as the interim head coach of the Reggae Boyz. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting at the JFF headquarters in Kingston on Friday, attended by President Michael Ricketts, Vice-Presidents Elaine Walker-Brown and Gregory Daley, and Acting General Manager Omar McFarlane. Speid, who currently chairs the JFF’s technical committee, will assume his new role on December 15, while negotiations with Miguel Coley, a former assistant coach, are ongoing for a supporting position. Coley, currently with Zakho Sports Club in Iraq, has expressed enthusiasm about returning to the national team. The coaching shakeup follows Steve McClaren’s resignation after Jamaica’s 0-0 draw with Curacao, which dashed their hopes of automatic World Cup qualification. The Reggae Boyz will now face New Caledonia in the inter-confederation play-offs in March, with the winner advancing to play the Democratic Republic of Congo for a World Cup spot. Ricketts emphasized the urgency of the appointment, stating that Speid and Coley were the ideal candidates to ‘hit the track running.’ Speid, a three-time Jamaica Premier League champion with Cavalier FC, brings a wealth of regional success and a Concacaf ‘A’ license to the role. Despite scrutiny over his multiple positions within the JFF, Ricketts confirmed that Speid will take a leave of absence from his other duties to focus on coaching. Coley, who previously assisted Winfried Schafer, has a proven track record, including guiding Jamaica College to numerous schoolboy titles and holding assistant managerial roles in the Middle East. Both coaches are determined to lead Jamaica to their second World Cup appearance.
分类： sports
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Gabriel faces ‘weeks’ out of action in major blow for Arsenal
Arsenal’s defensive stalwart Gabriel Magalhaes is set to miss several weeks of action after sustaining a thigh injury during international duty, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday. The Brazilian centre-back, who has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense this season, suffered the setback during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. Arteta expressed his disappointment, stating, ‘Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the Brazilian national team, and he’s going to be out for weeks. We’ll have a clearer timeline after another scan next Wednesday.’
Gabriel’s absence is a significant blow to Arsenal, as he has been instrumental in their Premier League campaign, forming a formidable partnership with William Saliba and contributing to a defense that has conceded just five goals in 11 games. Arteta acknowledged the challenge, saying, ‘It’s clearly a blow because he’s our leader in our backline. The good thing is that we have very good options, and people have to step up now.’
Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are among the contenders to fill Gabriel’s shoes in the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday. However, Arteta emphasized that Gabriel’s leadership and defensive prowess are irreplaceable. ‘Every player brings specific qualities, and Gabi’s is his leadership, his presence, and that love he has to defend,’ he added.
Arsenal’s injury woes extend beyond Gabriel, with left-back Riccardo Calafiori also sidelined due to lingering issues. Arteta revealed, ‘He’s been carrying a few things and hasn’t trained yet. We’ll assess his condition in tomorrow’s training session.’ Additionally, long-term absentees Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres remain unavailable.
Despite these setbacks, Arsenal remains at the top of the Premier League, four points clear of Manchester City. Their upcoming clash with Tottenham promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Spurs boasting the best away record in the league this season. Arsenal, however, have a strong historical advantage, having lost just once at home to their rivals since 1993.
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Australia’s seven-wicket hero Starc ready to go again
PERTH, Australia — Mitchell Starc showcased his unwavering confidence and skill on the opening day of the first Ashes Test, delivering a stellar performance that kept Australia in contention. The 35-year-old fast bowler wreaked havoc at Perth Stadium, claiming 7 wickets for 58 runs and dismantling England’s batting lineup for a modest total of 172. Despite England’s strong response with their own pace attack, reducing Australia to 123-9 by stumps, the match remains delicately balanced. Starc’s dominance began in the very first over, dismissing Zak Crawley and setting the tone for his unplayable spell. Reflecting on his ability to strike early, Starc remarked, “It’s always the plan, but it doesn’t always happen that way. I’ve been fortunate to do it a few times.” Known for his aggressive approach, Starc emphasized his focus on taking wickets rather than worrying about economy rates. With key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injuries, Starc has shouldered additional responsibility but remains composed. “I’ve been quite calm all week,” he said, highlighting the depth of experience in Australia’s bowling attack. As Australia trails by 49 runs heading into day two, Starc is prepared to deliver another impactful performance to keep his team in the hunt. He dismissed concerns about the pitch, attributing the 19 wickets fallen in a day to the quality of both bowling attacks. “It’s just one of those days where two attacks are on the money,” he noted, emphasizing the long road ahead in the series. Starc’s brilliance has set the stage for an enthralling contest as the Ashes unfolds.
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Educator, football administrator Azaad Mohammed-Khan falls seriously ill
Azaad Mohammed-Khan, a revered educator and football administrator, remains in stable condition as he continues to fight a severe neuromuscular respiratory illness. Hospitalized since August, Mohammed-Khan, known for his extensive contributions to Malick Secondary School, the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), and San Juan Jabloteh Football Club, fell ill on 31 August. Initially appearing as a mild cold, his condition rapidly deteriorated, necessitating emergency medical intervention. His daughter, Jamila Mohammed-Khan, expressed shock at the sudden diagnosis, stating, ‘It was overwhelming because it came out of nowhere. He is a very active person.’ Following emergency tests, doctors identified a severe neuromuscular respiratory condition, requiring ventilator support and a prolonged stay in the High Dependency and Intensive Care Units at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. Recently transferred to Arima Hospital ICU, Mohammed-Khan has shown signs of improvement, with a device on his tracheostomy tube enabling faint speech. ‘He can’t speak normally. We can hear him but he could not speak at all for two and a half months,’ Jamila noted. Despite being bedridden and limited in movement, his family remains hopeful, focusing on securing support for his extensive rehabilitation needs, including 24-hour nursing care, respiratory and physiotherapy, specialized nutrition, and critical home equipment. The family has received assistance from friends, former colleagues, and the football community, including the TTFA and Malick Secondary School. Jamila emphasized the urgency of support, stating, ‘He has spent his life giving to others, and now he needs our help.’ The family aims to secure urgent financial assistance by 5 December to cover immediate medical expenses. Contributions can be made to Jamila Mohammed-Khan’s Republic Bank Limited account (Savings Account Number: 560008986431).
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Cooper slams half-century on Red Force Super50 debut
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force opener Cephas Cooper marked his debut in the CG United Super50 Cup with a stellar performance, scoring a maiden half-century of 72 runs off 78 balls. The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on November 21, saw Cooper’s efforts complemented by veteran Jason Mohammed’s impressive 87 runs, guiding the hosts to a respectable total of 256/8 in their allotted overs. Cooper’s innings, adorned with 11 boundaries, was a testament to his composure and skill under pressure. Despite early setbacks, including the dismissals of Kjorn Ottley and Joshua Da Silva, Cooper and Mohammed forged a crucial 62-run partnership, stabilizing the innings. The Red Force’s late surge, fueled by contributions from Navin Bidaisee and Joshua James, ensured a competitive total. Jamaica Scorpions, in reply, were 20/1 at the close of play, with Kirk McKenzie and Romaine Morris at the crease. Meanwhile, Barbados Pride secured their first win of the tournament with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Leeward Islands Hurricanes, thanks to standout performances from Akeem Jordan and Joshua Bishop. The match between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Windward Islands Volcanoes was abandoned due to a wet outfield, further highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
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World javelin champ Keshorn Walcott: My career all down to science
Keshorn Walcott, the world javelin champion, recently shared the secrets of his enduring success in the sport at the World Javelin Conference in Kuortane, Finland. Walcott, who first rose to fame by winning Olympic gold in 2012 at just 19 years old, clinched his first World Athletics Championships gold medal earlier this year, 13 years after his Olympic triumph. His presentation, titled ‘Long-Term Training Methods: From Olympic Gold to World Champion,’ delved into the scientific approach that has sustained his career through its highs and lows. Walcott emphasized the transition from instinct-based training to a structured, science-driven regimen, particularly under the guidance of his new coach, Klaus Bartoniezt. Together, they focused on biomechanics, especially the role of the block leg in maximizing throwing distance. Walcott also participated in a practical session with Finnish massage therapist Pentti Niemi, demonstrating shoulder preparation techniques. The conference provided a platform for Walcott to reflect on his journey, from his early days of guesswork to his current, methodical approach. The event was well-received, with coaches and administrators praising the insights shared. Walcott described the experience as energizing and a full-circle reflection on his career, highlighting the changes that have allowed him to remain competitive at the highest level for over a decade.
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Chelsea sink Burnley to close gap on leaders Arsenal
In a hard-fought encounter at Turf Moor on Saturday, Chelsea emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Burnley, further solidifying their position in the Premier League title race. Pedro Neto broke the deadlock just before halftime, while Enzo Fernandez sealed the victory with a late goal. This triumph propelled Chelsea to second place in the league standings, just three points behind leaders Arsenal, who are set to face Tottenham on Sunday. The Blues have been in impressive form, winning eight of their last ten matches across all competitions, marking a significant milestone in Enzo Maresca’s 50th Premier League game as manager. The victory serves as an ideal preparation for Chelsea’s upcoming crucial fixtures, including a Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday and a high-stakes Premier League encounter with Arsenal on November 30. Despite the possibility of dropping to third place if Manchester City avoids defeat against Newcastle, Chelsea’s hard-earned win in freezing conditions at Burnley has undoubtedly boosted their title momentum. Maresca praised his team’s resilience, particularly after the international break, and emphasized the importance of maintaining their form. Burnley, on the other hand, continues to struggle, having lost five of their last seven league matches. Chelsea faced challenges with key players Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo sidelined due to injuries and fatigue, respectively. Maresca also expressed frustration over the early kick-off time, which was compounded by an early incident involving goalkeeper Robert Sanchez accidentally kicking the ball into Fernandez’s head, requiring a brief concussion check. Despite these setbacks, Chelsea managed to assert control and secure a vital win.
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Barbados to host Trinidad and Tobago for Concacaf W Qualifier
The Lady Tridents of Barbados are set to face Trinidad and Tobago in a pivotal match of the 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers on Monday, December 1, at the Kensington Oval. Head Coach Kerry Trotman has passionately called on fans to rally behind the team, emphasizing the unique thrill of playing on home soil. “Representing your nation in front of a supportive home crowd is an unparalleled experience,” Trotman remarked. “I urge all Bajans to come out and show their unwavering support, especially during this patriotic weekend.” She added that the team’s preparations are progressing smoothly, with the final squad selection underway, ensuring the players are ready to take on Trinidad with pride. BFA President Randy Harris expressed his enthusiasm for hosting an international women’s football match in Barbados, highlighting the association’s dedication to advancing women’s football. “Women’s football is gaining global momentum, and the BFA is fully aligned with FIFA’s vision to unlock its full potential and accelerate its growth worldwide,” Harris stated. “We remain committed to strengthening all facets of the women’s game locally, making it a top priority.” The Lady Tridents are placed in Group F of the Concacaf W Qualifiers, alongside Trinidad and Tobago, El Salvador, and Honduras. The upcoming rounds of matches are scheduled for February (vs. El Salvador) and April (vs. Honduras) during the FIFA Women’s International Match Windows in 2025. The six group winners will secure a spot in the 2026 Concacaf W Championship, which serves as the qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Admission to the match is free, encouraging widespread attendance and support for the Lady Tridents.
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Roach recall key to West Indies’ hopes, says Sammy
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed strong confidence in the inclusion of veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, asserting that his presence will significantly enhance the team’s competitiveness. Roach’s selection comes at a crucial time, as the West Indies grapple with injuries to key fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Ramon Simmonds, and Jediah Blades. The 37-year-old Barbadian, who recently participated in a High-Performance camp organized by Cricket West Indies (CWI), is set to spearhead the bowling attack alongside Jayden Seales. Roach’s career appeared to be winding down after he was omitted from the Test squads against Australia and India earlier this year. However, his last appearance for the Windies in January’s drawn series against Pakistan showcased his enduring skill. Sammy highlighted Roach’s impressive track record against New Zealand, where he has claimed 36 of his 284 Test wickets, emphasizing that his experience and discipline will be pivotal in challenging the fifth-ranked Kiwis. The coach also hinted that a strong performance by Roach could complicate future selection decisions, especially with Alzarri and Shamar expected to return next year. Sammy expressed optimism about the depth of West Indies’ fast bowling resources, envisioning a scenario where multiple performers, including Roach, could elevate the team’s prospects in upcoming series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
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Shields earns maiden call-up as WI gear up for NZ tests
The West Indies cricket team has introduced fresh talent to its 15-member Test squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand, commencing next month. Ojay Shields, a promising Jamaican fast bowler, has received his maiden call-up, stepping in to fill the void left by injured frontline pacers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph. Shields, who has claimed 34 wickets in 16 first-class matches, will join seasoned campaigner Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales to form a relatively inexperienced pace attack. Additionally, middle-order batsman Kavem Hodge has been recalled to the squad, bringing his experience of 11 Tests and 556 runs to the table. The team, which assembled in New Zealand on November 20, will benefit from a two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Lincoln, Christchurch, to acclimatize to local conditions. Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the meticulous preparation undertaken for this challenging tour, including a high-performance camp in Antigua designed to simulate New Zealand’s pace-friendly pitches. The series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, marks the West Indies’ final fixture for 2025. The squad, led by Roston Chase, is supported by a comprehensive team management unit, including head coach Daren Sammy and a host of specialized coaches and support staff. The tour schedule includes warm-up matches and three Tests across Christchurch, Wellington, and Mount Maunganui, promising an exciting contest between the two cricketing nations.