分类： sports

The West Indies Under-19 men’s cricket team is set to intensify their preparations for the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup with a seven-match Youth One-Day International (ODI) series against England’s Under-19 squad. The series will take place from November 16 to December 1 at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. This encounter marks a pivotal step in the young Windies’ journey as they aim to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the global tournament. The 16-member squad features two standout Trinidadian players, Aadian Racha and Brendan Boodoo, the latter having recently clinched the TT Cricket Board’s Best Youth Player of the Year award. The team also welcomes back DeShawn James from injury, alongside newcomers Tanez Francis and Kunal Tilokani, who earned their spots following stellar performances in the regional Under-17 tournament. While Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge, and Pajay Nelson will miss this series, they remain part of a broader player pool from which the final World Cup squad will be selected. Additionally, the talented duo of batsman Jewel Andrew and leg-spinner Micah McKenzie, both selected for the Leewards Islands Hurricanes in the upcoming Regional Super50 tournament, are expected to bolster the Windies’ future prospects. Coach Rohan Nurse highlighted the team’s resilience during their recent 4-3 series victory over Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of maintaining intensity in batting, bowling, and fielding. He stressed the need for players to convert starts into substantial scores and to clearly define their roles within the team. The series against England promises to be a critical test for the young Windies as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.

The Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC) marked a significant milestone with their return to competitive school basketball at the Elevate 3×3 Secondary Schools Basketball Championship. The event, held at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sports Arena in Tacarigua on November 14, saw YTRC re-enter the fray after years of absence from formal competition. Historically a dominant force in the East Zone Secondary Schools Basketball League, YTRC has previously clinched multiple zonal titles and represented the zone at national championships. Their participation in this year’s tournament underscores their commitment to using sports as a transformative tool for youth development. In recent years, YTRC has integrated 3×3 basketball into its rehabilitative framework, organizing events like the R³ 3×3 Invitational tournament to foster teamwork, discipline, and leadership among its residents. The Elevate 3×3 Championship, a national tournament, features top young talent across four divisions: Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 male, and open female. YTRC will compete in the Under-20 and female categories, showcasing players from their active basketball programmes. The TT Prison Service, which oversees YTRC, continues to emphasize the role of structured sports and education in rehabilitation, viewing athletics as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and societal reintegration.

The San Fernando Giants, one of the longest-surviving active football clubs, recently celebrated their 75th anniversary with a series of commemorative events. The celebrations included a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and an awards ceremony held in the church hall on November 1. This milestone highlights the club’s remarkable journey, sustained by community spirit and volunteerism rather than corporate sponsorship.

Despite Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) men’s football team being eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, head coach Dwight Yorke has expressed his desire to remain in the role. Yorke, who took charge of the team in November 2022, emphasized his commitment to building a stronger foundation for TT football, even as the team fell short of their World Cup aspirations. The TTFA (Trinidad and Tobago Football Association) will now decide whether to extend his contract beyond the qualifiers. Yorke’s tenure has been marked by progress, but the team’s inability to secure crucial victories in the final round of qualifiers ultimately sealed their fate. TT’s hopes were dashed after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica on November 13, leaving them third in Group B of the Concacaf qualifiers. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, TT struggled with finishing, a recurring issue throughout the campaign. Yorke, visibly disappointed but proud of his players, acknowledged the challenges and called for long-term planning to improve TT’s chances in future tournaments. With the 2030 World Cup in sight, Yorke urged the TTFA to implement structural changes and support systems to elevate the team’s performance. He remains focused on the upcoming match against Bermuda, aiming to end the qualifiers on a positive note.

The San Fernando Giants, a football club with a rich history spanning 75 years, recently celebrated its milestone anniversary with a series of commemorative events. Established as one of the longest-surviving active football clubs, the Giants have evolved from their origins as the Lantern Giants to their current incarnation, rooted in the heart of San Fernando. The celebrations included a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and an awards ceremony held in the church hall on November 1. Notably, the club has thrived without significant sponsorship, relying instead on the dedication of volunteers and the unwavering support of the local community. This grassroots approach has ensured not only the club’s survival but also its continued relevance in fostering youth development and community spirit. Senator David Nakhid, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, attended the awards ceremony, highlighting the club’s enduring legacy and the long-term commitment of its members. The San Fernando Giants stand as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in sports, offering a model for other clubs to emulate in an era where such structures are increasingly rare. As the club continues its youth programs, it remains a beacon of grassroots development and a source of pride for the city.

Kevin “Nash” Molino, the talismanic captain of Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team, has declared that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on November 18 will mark his final appearance in national colors. The 35-year-old striker made the emotional announcement during a post-match interview with the TT Football Association (TTFA) on November 14, following the team’s elimination from World Cup contention after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica. Despite scoring a late equalizer in that match, Molino acknowledged that the team’s World Cup dreams had been dashed. Molino, who initially retired from international football in September 2023, was recalled to the squad a year later and has since been a key figure in the team’s campaign. He described his decision to step away as deeply personal, citing years of immense pressure and physical strain. Molino emphasized his pride in representing Trinidad and Tobago and expressed optimism for the team’s future under head coach Dwight Yorke. He urged young players to maintain the right mindset and attitude, believing the team has the potential to become a formidable force. Molino also highlighted the positive changes within the TTFA, including improved professionalism and fan engagement, which have revitalized interest in the national team. As he prepares for his final match, Molino remains focused on the collective success of the team, rejecting any notion of personal failure and instead framing his journey as a valuable learning experience for the next generation.