分类: sports

  • Red Force hoping for clear skies vs Scorpions

    Red Force hoping for clear skies vs Scorpions

    The CG United Super50 Cup has kicked off with a mix of weather disruptions and thrilling cricket action. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are eagerly awaiting clear skies for their upcoming match against Jamaica Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on November 21. Their initial game against Barbados Royals at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine was abandoned due to relentless rain, resulting in both teams sharing two points each. The match, delayed by over five hours due to a wet outfield, was reduced to a 20-over contest. Barbados openers Kyle Mayers and Leniko Boucher managed an unbeaten 48-run partnership before the rain returned, halting play indefinitely. Similarly, the clash between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Jamaica Scorpions at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain ended in a no-result after Guyana posted 287/7 in 47.1 overs. In contrast, Windward Islands Volcanoes secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Tarouba, propelling them to the top of the table. Leewards set a formidable target of 324, powered by Kofi James’ century and half-centuries from Mikyle Louis and Carlon Bowen-Tuckett. Windwards’ chase was anchored by Darron Nedd’s 94 and Dillon Douglas’ 61, culminating in a thrilling win with 325/8 in 43.5 overs. As the tournament progresses, Red Force hopes for better weather to keep their title aspirations alive, while Windwards aim to continue their winning streak against Guyana Harpy Eagles.

  • New TT hockey board executive appointed

    New TT hockey board executive appointed

    The Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board (TTHB) has ushered in a new leadership era following its 28th annual council meeting held at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua on November 17, 2025. The elections marked a significant transition as the board appointed its executive for the 2025–2027 term. Cindy Martin-Faustin of Paragon Hockey Club was unanimously elected as president, leaving her previous role as an elected member vacant. This position was subsequently filled by Natakii Bua, who was also elected unopposed. The election saw five key positions contested, including president, second vice-president, third vice-president, honorary treasurer, and assistant secretary. Rob Wyatt of Prosport secured the second vice-president role without opposition, while Akil Nancoo of Notre Dame Hockey Club triumphed in the only contested race for third vice-president. Riger Gomes of QPCC and Teresa Lezama of Malvern Sports Club were elected unopposed as honorary treasurer and assistant secretary, respectively. The meeting, which commenced at 6:54 p.m., also addressed the transition of several officer positions whose terms concluded in 2025. The newly elected executive will serve until 2027, with some roles continuing from their 2024–2026 terms. The TTHB’s leadership now includes Cindy Martin-Faustin as president, Garth Baptiste as first vice-president, Rob Wyatt as second vice-president, Akil Nancoo as third vice-president, Riger Gomes as honorary treasurer, Anthony Marcano as assistant treasurer, Reyah Richardson as honorary secretary, Teresa Lezama as assistant secretary, Ayanna McClean as an elected member, and Natakii Bua as an elected member.

  • Damien Adams storms into Pan-Am MMA semi-final

    Damien Adams storms into Pan-Am MMA semi-final

    Trinidad and Tobago (TT) athletes have made significant strides at the 2025 International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Pan-Americana Championship in Monterrey, Mexico. Damien Adams secured a swift victory in the men’s featherweight (65.8 kg) category, defeating El Salvador’s Gabriel Barrera via submission with 47 seconds remaining in the first round. Adams’ dominant performance earned him a spot in the semi-finals, scheduled for November 21. Joining him is Joshua James, who will compete in the men’s super lightweight (74.8 kg) semi-final against Mexico’s Luis Angel Rodriguez Dominguez. Meanwhile, Michael Serrette has already advanced to the super heavyweight final, awaiting the winner of an all-Mexico semi-final clash. The TT delegation, led by national coach Keron Bourne and TTMMAF president Jason Fraser, continues to showcase the country’s growing prowess in mixed martial arts. This year marks TT’s sixth consecutive appearance at the championship, a testament to their dedication despite financial challenges. Fraser emphasized the need for private-sector support to sustain youth development programs, urging corporations to invest in athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. The championship, featuring 17 nations, is part of IMMAF’s global series of tournaments, highlighting the sport’s expanding reach and impact.

  • Rene Simoes seeks third Reggae Boyz stint

    Rene Simoes seeks third Reggae Boyz stint

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rene Simoes, the Brazilian coach who famously guided Jamaica to their historic FIFA World Cup qualification in 1998, has expressed interest in taking charge of the Reggae Boyz once again. This time, he aims to lead the team through the Intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 2026. Sources close to Observer Online reveal that Simoes, now 72, has garnered support from several members of the iconic 1998 squad and has formally communicated his intentions to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

    The coaching vacancy emerged following the abrupt resignation of Englishman Steve McClaren on Tuesday. McClaren stepped down after Jamaica’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Curacao, which left them second in their group with 11 points, narrowly missing an automatic qualifying spot for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Jamaica’s next challenge will be against New Caledonia in March 2026, with a potential follow-up match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the winner of which will secure a World Cup berth.

    Simoes’ legacy with Jamaica is marked by his historic achievement in 1998, when he led the Reggae Boyz to their first and only World Cup appearance. The team secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Japan in their final group-stage match, despite earlier losses to Croatia and Argentina. However, his second stint with the national team in 2008 was less successful, culminating in his dismissal after a 2-0 defeat to Honduras.

    In the interim, the JFF is expected to appoint a temporary coach by Friday, with Rudolph Speid, the coach of Premier League champions Cavalier and chairman of the Technical Committee, reportedly being a top contender. Speid has played a pivotal role in recent coaching decisions, including the dismissal of Theodore Whitmore and the appointments of Heimir Hallgrimsson and McClaren.

  • Windies coach Daren Sammy: We never wrote off Roach

    Windies coach Daren Sammy: We never wrote off Roach

    West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has emphasized that veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach was never excluded from the team’s long-term plans, despite earlier suggestions of a transition to younger players. Roach, 37, has been recalled to the 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled from December 1 to 21. His inclusion comes as a result of injuries to key bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who are sidelined for the remainder of the year. Roach, who made his Test debut in 2008, boasts an impressive record of 284 wickets in 85 Tests, placing him fifth among West Indies’ all-time leading wicket-takers in the format. Sammy highlighted Roach’s experience and leadership as crucial assets for the team, particularly in New Zealand’s challenging conditions. The squad also features uncapped Jamaican pacer Ojay Shields, whose raw pace adds variety to the attack. Despite earlier comments from Cricket West Indies director Miles Bascombe about planning for future World Test Championships, Sammy clarified that Roach remained a viable option. The West Indies are currently struggling in the white-ball segment of their New Zealand tour, having lost the T20 series 3-1 and trailing 2-0 in the ODI series. Sammy expressed optimism about the Test series, citing the team’s preparation and the return of middle-order batsman Kavem Hodge, who has previously excelled in similar conditions. The squad will play a warm-up match in Christchurch before the first Test begins on December 1.

  • Simoes plans ‘crisis cabinet’ of ‘specialists’ if given Reggae Boyz job

    Simoes plans ‘crisis cabinet’ of ‘specialists’ if given Reggae Boyz job

    Brazilian football coach Rene Simões, renowned for guiding Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to their historic 1998 FIFA World Cup appearance, has expressed his interest in taking over the team’s vacant head coaching position. This follows the abrupt resignation of Englishman Steve McClaren after Jamaica’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Curacao, which left them second in their group and out of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Simões, 72, has already communicated his intentions to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and garnered support from several former players of the 1998 squad. In a detailed social media post, Simões outlined his vision for the team, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reconstruction. He proposed forming a ‘crisis cabinet’ of experienced specialists, including former Reggae Boyz players like Durrant Brown, Ricardo Gardener, Theodore Whitmore, Freddy Butler, and Deon Burton, to address key areas of the game. Simões believes his philosophy and innovative approach, akin to the structure of American football, can propel Jamaica to their second World Cup. The JFF is expected to appoint an interim coach soon, with Rudolph Speid, coach of Premier League champions Cavalier, rumored to be a frontrunner. Jamaica’s next challenge will be against New Caledonia in March 2026, with a potential follow-up match against the Democratic Republic of Congo for a World Cup berth.

  • Roach returns

    Roach returns

    ST JOHN’S, Antigua — The West Indies cricket team has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, set to commence next month. Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach, a stalwart of West Indies cricket, has been included in the lineup, a decision that aligns with expectations following his participation in a high-performance preparation camp organized by Cricket West Indies (CWI) earlier this month. Roach, the fifth-highest wicket-taker in West Indies Test history with 285 scalps, will spearhead the pace attack alongside Jayden Seales. The squad, however, will be without the injured Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who are sidelined for the remainder of the year. The series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, marks the West Indies’ final fixture for 2025. CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the meticulous preparation undertaken to ensure the team is well-equipped for the challenging conditions in New Zealand. “New Zealand has traditionally been one of the toughest places for any touring side, which is why strong emphasis has been placed on targeted preparation,” Bascombe stated. The squad, which includes debutant Ojay Shields and recalled middle-order batsman Kavem Hodge, arrived in New Zealand on November 20, allowing ample time for acclimatization and a warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Christchurch.

  • Speid appointed Reggae Boyz interim coach, Coley in talks for assistant role

    Speid appointed Reggae Boyz interim coach, Coley in talks for assistant role

    The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has announced the appointment of Rudolph Speid as the interim head coach of the Reggae Boyz, following the resignation of Steve McClaren on Tuesday. Speid, who has been serving as the technical advisor for the national senior men’s team for the past four months, will officially assume the role on December 15, 2025, and continue until March 31, 2026. The decision was made during an emergency meeting at the JFF on Friday, where Speid was one of two candidates interviewed for the position. The other candidate, Miguel Coley, a former assistant coach of the Reggae Boyz currently based in Iraq, is in discussions to serve as the assistant coach. Speid, who has led Cavalier FC to three Jamaica Premier League titles in the last four years and won the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, will now guide the team through their final push for World Cup qualification at the Inter-Confederation Playoffs in March. The Reggae Boyz will face New Caledonia in the semi-finals, with a potential final against DR Congo for a spot in next year’s tournament.

  • Windwards win to open Super50

    Windwards win to open Super50

    The Windward Islands Volcanoes kicked off their CG United Super 50 Cup campaign with a thrilling two-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes on November 19 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. The match showcased stellar performances from several Saint Lucian players, who played pivotal roles in the team’s success.

    Volcanoes’ captain Teddy Bishop won the toss and opted to field first. The Leewards’ opening batsmen, Mikyle Louis and Kofi James, set a strong foundation, racing to triple figures within the first 13 overs. James, in particular, dominated the early stages, scoring 19 runs off Saint Lucian pacer Keon Gaston in the third over. However, Darron Nedd broke the partnership in the 16th over, dismissing Louis for 59, caught by Shadrack Descarte.

    James continued his aggressive batting, forming an 81-run partnership with Carlton Bowen-Tuckett in just ten overs. He reached 103 before falling to Kenneth Dember, caught once again by Descarte. Despite a brief slowdown, the Leewards maintained momentum, with Jewel Andrew and Rahkeem Cornwall contributing to a total of 324 runs in 47.3 overs. Nedd and Descarte were the standout bowlers for the Windwards, taking three wickets each.

    The Windwards’ chase began poorly, with Johann Jeremiah dismissed for a duck. However, Stephan Pascal and Bishop steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership. After a flurry of wickets, Nedd and Dillon Douglas took control, adding 108 runs together. Nedd’s explosive 94 off 56 balls and Douglas’ 61 off 46 were instrumental in the chase. Contributions from Gaston and McKenny Clarke, who hit two sixes in his 22 off 12 balls, sealed the victory as the Windwards reached 325-8 in 43.5 overs.

    The Windwards will next face the Guyana Harpy Eagles on November 21 at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine.

  • Hope’s blazing 109 in vain as Conway leads NZ to series win

    Hope’s blazing 109 in vain as Conway leads NZ to series win

    In a rain-shortened second One Day International (ODI) at McLean Park on Wednesday, New Zealand emerged victorious in a nail-biting five-wicket win against West Indies, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The match, reduced to 34 overs per side due to persistent showers, saw standout performances from both teams, with Shai Hope’s explosive century for West Indies and Devin Conway and Mitchell Santner’s crucial contributions for New Zealand.