分类： sports

In a strategic move to revitalize its football program, St George’s College (STGC) has announced the landmark appointment of Andrew Price, a revered alumnus and decorated coach, as its new Technical Director. This appointment represents a significant homecoming for Price, a two-time ‘Triple Champion’ for the institution’s ‘Light Blues’ team.

Set to commence his tenure on April 1, 2026, following the closure of the ongoing schoolboy football season, Price will provide comprehensive leadership across all tiers of the STGC football ecosystem. His mandate encompasses the Under-14 and Under-16 squads, extending to the flagship Manning Cup team. A primary objective is to institute a cohesive and unified playing philosophy while championing the holistic development of student-athletes.

The school’s principal, Margaret Campbell, publicly expressed enthusiasm regarding the appointment. Campbell characterized the decision as a strategic initiative designed to positively influence youth development. She articulated high expectations for Price’s leadership in synchronizing training methodologies and cultivating an entrenched culture of excellence in both athletic and academic pursuits.

Price arrives with an illustrious portfolio boasting over three decades of success spanning school, premier club, and international football coaching. His most recent role was as head coach of the Calabar High School football program. His contributions to Jamaican football have been nationally recognized with the prestigious Order of Distinction (OD).

Reflecting on his return to the North Street institution, Price described the opportunity as a ‘profound honour.’ He outlined an ambitious vision centered on the implementation of a detailed 3-5 year development plan. This strategy aims not only to restore St George’s College to the apex of competitive schoolboy football but also to focus on mentoring emerging talent, shaping them into well-rounded student-athletes and committed patriots.

In a spectacular display of offensive prowess, Mount Pleasant FA delivered a resounding 4-1 defeat to Portmore United during Monday evening’s Jamaica Premier League clash at Drax Hall. The match was dominated by National Under-20 striker Jabari Howell, who secured his second consecutive brace with exceptional technical skill.

The scoring opened in the 50th minute when Howell executed a magnificent 23-yard free kick that soared past Portmore United’s goalkeeper Daniel Russell. Merely three minutes later, Howell found the net again, bringing his remarkable goal tally to four across just two appearances.

The offensive momentum continued with substitute Devonte Campbell, who entered the match in the 66th minute. Campbell contributed significantly by scoring the third goal in the 75th minute with a powerful low strike, then providing the assist for Raheem Edwards’ goal just two minutes later, completing Mount Pleasant’s four-goal spectacle.

Portmore United managed a consolation goal during added time courtesy of former Reggae Boy Corey Burke, who made his return appearance after last representing the club in the 2019 season.

This decisive victory propels Mount Pleasant FA into second position in the league standings, tied on 52 points with Racing United but holding a superior goal differential and two critical games in hand. Despite suffering their first-ever loss to Chapelton Maroons (3-1) on Sunday, Montego Bay United maintains the top position with 57 points.

The evening’s earlier match saw Treasure Beach FC and Spanish Town Police FC conclude in a goalless draw. Other notable weekend results included Harbour View’s narrow 1-0 victory over Arnett Gardens, which lifted them from relegation territory, while Molynes United joined Spanish Town Police in the drop zone following their 1-0 defeat to Dunbeholden FC.

As Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, prepare for a pivotal FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against New Caledonia, interim Head Coach Rudolph Speid has ignited discussion by prioritizing discipline and professionalism over raw talent in his squad selection. The 27-man roster, announced ahead of Thursday’s clash in Guadalajara, notably excludes twelve players from the previous qualifying campaign, including prominent attackers Shamar Nicholson, Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards, and Kaheim Dixon.

Coach Speid, who assumed leadership last November, had previously established clear selection criteria in January, mandating that players must be contracted to clubs in the world’s top 20 leagues or their nation’s premier division, while also maintaining peak fitness and consistent high performance. However, he revealed that adherence to behavioral standards ultimately proved decisive. In a candid assessment, Speid outlined a history of disciplinary issues among certain omitted players, citing breaches such as breaking curfew, unauthorized hotel stays, and bringing family into work environments.

“Performance is always the first thing you look at,” Speid stated, “but if you’re struggling with the conditions—the disciplinary conditions—then somebody else that is not struggling gets the edge.”

This philosophy has paved the way for three new English-born inclusions: Coventry City winger Ephron Mason-Clark, Sheffield United’s Andre Brooks, and Tottenham prospect Tyrese Hall, currently on loan at Notts County FC. Speid defended these selections against claims of risk, emphasizing their current form surpasses that of some “fan favourites.”

The squad also welcomes the return of Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, absent since June, and midfielder Kasey Palmer, recovered from injury. Regular stalwarts including Captain Andre Blake, Damion Lowe, and Demarai Gray retain their places.

With the team assembling in Kingston before departing for Mexico, the stakes are immense. Victory against New Caledonia would set up a final play-off against DR Congo for a chance to end Jamaica’s nearly three-decade World Cup drought and secure a place in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan at this summer’s global showpiece.

Jamaica’s national football team has been dealt a significant blow just days before their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs, with influential winger Demarai Gray forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. The setback marks the third consecutive month the 29-year-old has missed international duty through physical setbacks.

Gray, who has netted seven goals in 29 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, sustained the injury during Birmingham City’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Derby County in the English Championship on Saturday. His absence creates a substantial void in head coach Rudolph Speid’s offensive strategy for the upcoming critical matches.

In response to this development, the Jamaican coaching staff has called up Tivoli Gardens forward Nickalia Fuller as Gray’s replacement. Fuller brings current domestic form to the squad, having scored five goals in the Jamaica Premier League this season.

The injury concerns extend beyond Gray, with midfielder Kevon Lambert also ruled out of contention. While Fuller has been confirmed as Gray’s substitute, the replacement for Lambert remains undetermined at this time.

The Reggae Boyz are scheduled to commence training camp on Monday before traveling to Guadalajara on Tuesday. Their first playoff challenge arrives Thursday against New Caledonia, with a potential subsequent match against DR Congo looming as they pursue qualification for global football’s premier tournament.

Jamaican athlete Raymond Richards successfully defended his bronze medal position in the men’s high jump at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland, on Saturday. Richards cleared 2.26 meters to share third place with South Korea’s Sanghyeok Woo in a competition that saw Ukraine’s Oleh Doroshchuk claim gold and Mexico’s Erick Portillo secure silver, both achieving 2.30 meters.

The Jamaican contingent experienced both triumph and disappointment during the championship’s second day. While Richards celebrated his podium finish, the mixed 4x400m relay team faced heartbreak when they were disqualified for a lane violation after crossing third. The quartet of Delano Kennedy, Shana Kaye Anderson, Kimar Farquharson, and Leah Anderson saw their medal hopes vanish despite a strong time of 3:17.13 minutes.

Jamaica’s near-misses continued with Brianna Lyston finishing fourth in the women’s 60m final, equaling her season’s best of 7.05 seconds, while teammate Jonielle Smith placed fifth with 7.06 seconds. Demario Prince also finished fourth in the men’s 60m hurdles, clocking a personal best of 7.43 seconds but missing the podium by a mere 0.009 seconds to American Trey Cunningham.

With three medals already secured—including two silver medals won on Friday—Jamaica sits twelfth in the medal standings. The team remains optimistic about adding to their tally on the final day of competition, with strong contenders in multiple events. Carey McLeod and Tajay Gayle will compete in the men’s long jump, while Nia Robinson makes her global championship debut in the women’s long jump. Megan Simmonds and Oneka Wilson will contest the women’s 60m hurdles, and the men’s 4x400m relay team will pursue additional podium finishes.

Other Jamaican performances included Romaine Beckford’s ninth-place finish in the high jump (2.22m), Shantae Foreman’s 17th place in the triple jump (12.35m), and early exits for 800m runners Natoya Goule-Toppin and Navasky Anderson in their respective semi-finals.