The Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is set to resume on December 7 after a hiatus caused by Hurricane Melissa, which devastated parts of the island in late October. However, Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) CEO Owen Hill has highlighted significant financial and logistical challenges that must be addressed to ensure a smooth restart. The league, which has completed nine match weeks, was paused due to the hurricane’s widespread destruction, including loss of lives and severe damage to infrastructure. Following discussions with stakeholders, including the 14 clubs, the PFJL executive, and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), a consensus was reached to delay the restart until December. While some Kingston-based clubs advocated for an earlier resumption, severely affected teams like Treasure Beach FC and Montego Bay United (MBU) requested additional time to recover. Hill emphasized the need for collective responsibility, stating that the December 7 restart date balances the needs of all parties. The decision has resulted in nearly 50 postponed matches, with teams now likely to play twice weekly to meet the league’s schedule. Venue challenges also persist, as MBU and Treasure Beach’s home grounds remain unplayable due to hurricane damage. Hill suggested a hub model, centralizing games at available venues, while calling for financial support from sponsors and corporate Jamaica to address the league’s immediate needs. He also urged fans to attend matches or subscribe to broadcasts, as gate receipts and subscriptions are crucial for clubs’ financial viability. As the league prepares to restart, MBU leads the standings with 22 points, followed by Portmore United with 18. Treasure Beach FC sits in 10th place, while defending champions Cavalier and unbeaten Mount Pleasant Football Academy are fourth and eighth, respectively.
分类： sports
-
Jordan Vieira lights up national indoor hockey tourney for Parkites
The Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board’s National Indoor tournament continued to captivate fans at the Woodbrook Youth Facility over the weekend, showcasing a series of exhilarating matches. Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) and Police emerged as standout performers, registering impressive victories across various divisions. In the men’s open category, QPCC dominated with a resounding 19-0 win against Fatima Hockey Club on November 8, followed by a 7-2 triumph over Police the next day. National players Jordan Vieira and Nicholas Siu Butt were instrumental, with Vieira scoring six goals against Fatima and a beaver-trick against Police. Siu Butt also shone, contributing significantly to both victories. In the mixed vets division, Police avenged their earlier loss to QPCC with an emphatic 8-1 win, led by Kiel Murray’s hat-trick and additional goals from Akim Toussaint, Dwain Quan Chan, and others. Meanwhile, Fatima secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over Notre Dame, with Colin Young scoring the decisive goal. The men’s Trinity division saw QPCC continue their dominance, defeating Fatima 8-1 and UWI 3-1, while SHAPE also impressed with a 7-3 win over Fatima. In the women’s Trinity division, Magnolias maintained their lead with a 6-1 win over Paragon, thanks to Samantha Olton’s hat-trick, and a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Police. The tournament is set to conclude on November 22, promising more high-stakes action.
-
Bmobile, TTFA team up for business end of W/Cup qualifiers
In a significant move for Trinidad and Tobago’s football aspirations, telecommunications giant Bmobile has renewed its sponsorship of the national men’s football team for the final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The announcement, made on November 11, marks the revival of a historic partnership that previously supported the team during their 2006 World Cup campaign in Germany—the country’s only senior World Cup appearance to date. The sponsorship comes just ahead of crucial matches against Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. TSTT’s acting CEO, Keino Cox, emphasized the company’s commitment to national pride and unity, stating, ‘This is more than sponsorship; it is patriotism, unity, and belief in our people.’ TTFA president Kieron Edwards highlighted the importance of corporate support, noting that Bmobile’s involvement reflects confidence in the FA’s direction and efforts to revamp both on-field performance and organizational image. Bmobile’s longstanding dedication to local football includes initiatives like the National Super League title sponsorship, youth programs such as the ‘Kick It With Karyn’ tournament, and the 2018 launch of the TEGO streaming app for live World Cup matches. Currently, Trinidad and Tobago sit third in Group B of Concacaf’s final qualifying round with five points, trailing Jamaica and Curacao. The top three group winners will advance to the 2026 World Cup, with the two best second-placed teams entering FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs. This sponsorship follows a recent $100,000 contribution from Prestige Holdings Limited’s KFC brand to support the team’s preparations.
-
World champs medallist Baptiste throws support behind juniors
Two-time World Championship bronze medallist Kelly-Ann Baptiste delivered a powerful message of empowerment and perseverance at the National Association of Athletics Administrations’ (NAAA) annual women’s seminar-workshop, Accelerate-Her. Held on November 8 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, the event aimed to inspire young female athletes to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Baptiste, a celebrated sprinter, shared her personal journey, highlighting the challenges she overcame to achieve success in her sport. The workshop attracted over 60 in-person participants and 143 virtual attendees, fostering an inclusive environment focused on self-esteem, motivation, and personal growth. A creative vision board activity allowed participants to visually map their goals, reinforcing the importance of focus and visualization. Attendees praised the event as transformative, offering practical tools for success both on and off the track. NAAA president Ephraim Serrette reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting female athletes, addressing attrition rates and ensuring their continued engagement in athletics. The event also featured a dynamic session by sport psychologist Amanda Johnson, who emphasized confidence, self-esteem, and motivation. The NAAA expressed gratitude to sponsors and volunteers for their support in making Accelerate-Her a resounding success.
-
Molino: Hurricane trauma will spur on Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team captain, Kevin Molino, is acutely aware of the heightened stakes as his team prepares to face Jamaica in a pivotal Concacaf Group B FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 13. The match, set to take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo at 8 pm, carries significant implications for both teams. A victory would bring either side closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the encounter is more than just a football match for Jamaica, as the nation seeks to uplift its citizens following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa two weeks ago. The Category 5 storm left widespread destruction, including damaged homes, downed electricity poles, and a shortage of clean water. Molino acknowledged Jamaica’s added motivation, stating, “They have a chip on their shoulder, coming here to fight and also put a smile on the Jamaicans’ faces.” He emphasized the need for Trinidad and Tobago to improve their performance in the final third of the pitch to secure a favorable outcome. Molino also addressed the absence of key players Rio Cardines and Molik Khan due to injuries, highlighting the importance of a collective effort. “It’s going to take a whole group, not just one or two players,” he said, expressing confidence in the team’s depth and preparation under the guidance of coach Dwight Yorke and assistant coach Russell Latapy. Currently, Trinidad and Tobago sit third in Group B with five points, while Jamaica leads with nine points and Curacao follows closely with eight. The group winner will secure direct qualification to the World Cup, with the runner-up advancing to the intercontinental playoffs for another shot at qualification.
-
Pinelands sweep Cavs to claim BABA Second Division Title
KFC Pinelands reaffirmed their supremacy in the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) Second Division, securing the championship with a decisive 58–49 victory over the Fusionz Boutique Station Hill Cavaliers on Sunday night at the Barbados Community College (BCC). This win completed a 2–0 series sweep, cementing their dominance in the league.
-
Kunal Tilokani Selected to the West Indies Under-19 Team
In a significant achievement for St. Kitts cricket, Kunal Tilokani has been selected to represent the West Indies Under-19 team, as announced by the St. Kitts Cricket Association (SKCA) on November 11th, 2025. This milestone highlights Tilokani’s exceptional talent and dedication to the sport, marking a pivotal moment in his burgeoning cricket career. The young cricketer has had a remarkable 2025 season, excelling in multiple tournaments and earning accolades such as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the West Indies Under-17 Tournament. He also showcased his versatility by participating in the Cool and Smooth T20 Tournament, the St. Kitts Senior T20 Team, and the Senior 50-Over Team. Reflecting on his journey, Tilokani described the year as both challenging and rewarding, emphasizing his commitment to the game. ‘Cricket is my main priority,’ he stated, adding that he aims to secure a place in the West Indies Under-19 World Cup squad scheduled for January. Tilokani recently traveled to Grenada to join the West Indies Under-19 team for a seven-match 50-over series against England, which he views as a crucial opportunity to test his skills against top-tier competition. The SKCA lauded Tilokani’s accomplishments, calling his selection a proud moment for St. Kitts and a testament to the island’s growing cricket development. The Association extended its best wishes to Tilokani and the team for a successful series.
-
Saint Lucia reigns supreme in OECS table tennis
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Table Tennis Championships concluded on November 9 in Grenada, with Team Saint Lucia emerging as the undisputed champions in both the men’s and women’s team categories. The Saint Lucian athletes showcased exceptional skill, securing victories across multiple events and solidifying their dominance in the tournament. In the men’s team competition, Leshon Francis, Manie Eleuthere, Dawitt Nurse, and Khamari Harris delivered a flawless performance, defeating Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, and Martinique in the group stage. They continued their winning streak in the semifinals against St Vincent & the Grenadines and triumphed over Martinique in the final. Eleuthere and Francis remained unbeaten throughout the competition. The women’s team, comprising Shatal Charles, Zarianna Anthony, Daniella Symphorien, and Cherese Darcheville, also claimed victory, with Charles maintaining an unbeaten record. In doubles events, Eleuthere and Francis clinched the men’s doubles title after a thrilling final against Martinique, while Charles and Anthony secured the women’s doubles crown. Despite strong performances in singles and mixed doubles, Saint Lucia’s athletes faced stiff competition, with Antigua & Barbuda’s Stuti Kashyap claiming the women’s singles title. Shatal Charles and Leshon Francis were honored as the tournament’s Most Valuable Players (MVPs). The event, held at the Grenada Youth Centre in Grand Anse, highlighted the region’s growing talent in table tennis.
-
West Indies to take on Afghanistan T20I series in UAE
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed a three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, set to take place in January 2026 in the United Arab Emirates. The matches will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with the first game scheduled for January 19, followed by the second on January 21, and the third on January 22. This series is seen as a crucial preparatory step for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins in February. Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, highlighted the significance of the series, stating that it offers an ideal opportunity for the West Indies team to refine their strategies and build confidence in subcontinental conditions, similar to those they will face in India and Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, emphasized the strategic value of the series for Afghanistan, noting that it provides a perfect platform to finalize their lineup and enhance their preparations for the upcoming global event. Both teams are expected to gain invaluable experience and game time from this high-stakes series, which will play a pivotal role in their World Cup readiness.
-
Bexon bask in $1 500 glory after T10 Smash Up triumph
The Bexon Oval Super Stars emerged victorious in the South Castries Cricket Association/National Lotteries Authority T10 Smash Up, securing a $1,500 prize after a thrilling 25-run win over the Morne Crusaders in the final. The match, held on Tuesday, November 4 at Mindoo Phillip Park, marked the culmination of a stellar campaign for the Bexon side. Jaden Elibox was named the batsman of the final, delivering a standout performance with 38 runs off just 18 balls, including four sixes, as Bexon posted a formidable total of 111-4 in their 10 overs. Theo Edward also played a pivotal role, scoring 28 runs from 17 balls and taking 3 wickets for 12 runs, earning him the titles of bowler and MVP of the final. Despite a valiant effort from the Morne Crusaders, who scored 26 runs from Ephron Charles, they fell short, finishing at 89-7 and taking home $1,000 for second place. The Forestierre Kataharrs secured third place with a $400 prize. Lee John of the Crusaders was named the tournament MVP for his leading wicket tally, while Stephen Naitram of Forestierre topped the run charts.