Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team, under the guidance of coach Dwight Yorke, has unveiled its 26-man squad for two pivotal FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The matches, set to take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, will see the team face Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18. The squad announcement, made on November 10, includes a notable debut for 22-year-old US-born striker Roald Mitchell, who has earned his first call-up to the national team. Mitchell, who plays for New York Red Bulls II, is among five changes to the squad from last month’s qualifiers against Bermuda and Curacao. The team also welcomes back playmakers Daniel David and Lindell Sween, alongside Defence Force right-back Isaiah Garcia and veteran goalkeeper Marvin Phillip. Missing from the lineup are injured players Molik Khan and Crystal Palace’s Rio Cardines, as well as Defence Force custodian Jabari St Hillaire and strikers Isaiah Lee and Justin Obikwu. Cardines, 19, has been a consistent presence at right-back since his senior team debut in May, starting all four games in Concacaf’s final qualifying round. Khan, 21, who started in Trinidad and Tobago’s 1-1 draw against Curacao last month, was substituted at halftime. David, 22, who plays for MIC Central FC Reboot in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL), has received his first call-up under Yorke but previously featured under former coach Angus Eve in friendlies against Guyana. Sween, 19, recently returned to Trinidad after a three-month stint with Croatian second division club NK Jarun and impressed Yorke with a goal in a practice match against the national team. The squad also includes seasoned players like Kevin Molino, Spartak Moscow’s Levi Garcia, central midfielders Daniel Phillips and Andre Rampersad, and Major League Soccer flankers Dante Sealy and Tyrese Spicer. Trinidad and Tobago currently sit third in Group B of Concacaf’s final round with five points, trailing Jamaica (nine points) and Curacao (eight points). The top three group winners will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the two best second-placed teams advancing to the intercontinental playoffs.
分类： sports
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From Mindoo to mastery: Cricket coaches level up
The Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre (HPC) is emerging as a pivotal force in reshaping the nation’s cricketing landscape. Located at the Mindoo Phillip Park, the HPC is dedicated to cultivating local talent into world-class players. A recent two-day coaching workshop, held on October 31 and November 1 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, marked a significant milestone in this transformative journey. The event brought together coaches from across Saint Lucia to enhance their skills in talent identification, high-performance planning, fast bowling, and injury management. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of Wayne Auguste, president of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, who aims to elevate the HPC’s standards to international levels. Auguste emphasized the importance of aligning the HPC’s programs with Cricket West Indies, ensuring that government investments yield tangible results. The workshop’s chief facilitator, Ramesh Subasinghe, a former Sri Lankan first-class cricketer and development specialist, highlighted the critical role of local coaches in nurturing future stars. Subasinghe pointed to Ackeem Auguste, a Saint Lucian batsman who recently excelled in international cricket, as a testament to the impact of advanced training. Craig Emmanuel, chairman of the HPC Board of Directors, expressed satisfaction with the workshop’s outcomes, noting its role in addressing coaching gaps and equipping coaches to guide young athletes toward professional success. The HPC’s efforts underscore cricket’s enduring significance as a pathway for Saint Lucian youth, with the potential to transform dreams into reality.
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Natio-manager Brian Tevreden in beeld als technisch directeur Ajax
Amidst the ongoing turmoil at Ajax, Brian Tevreden has emerged as a potential candidate to steer the club out of its current crisis. The Dutch football giant recently dismissed coach John Heitinga and two of his assistants following a series of disappointing performances in both the Eredivisie and the Champions League. Ajax currently trails league leaders Feyenoord and PSV by eight points and has suffered four consecutive defeats in Europe. The mounting pressure from fans and the board led to Heitinga’s departure, with technical director Alex Kroes also offering to step down, though he was urged to stay until the end of the season. Journalist Mike Verweij of *De Telegraaf* suggested Tevreden as a potential successor to Kroes, sparking widespread speculation across football blogs and sports media. However, Tevreden has firmly dismissed the idea of leaving his current role prematurely. As the general manager of Suriname’s national football team, he is focused on preparing for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against El Salvador and Guatemala. ‘Natio comes first for me,’ Tevreden stated. ‘We have big business to handle now.’ Tevreden, a former Ajax youth player and coach, has maintained strong ties with the club but remains committed to his current responsibilities in Suriname. He emphasized his determination to complete his journey with coach Stanley Menzo before considering any future opportunities.
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2026 World Cup Qualifiers : List of senior Grenadiers convened for the last 2 matches
The Haitian national football team, known as the Grenadiers, is set to face two decisive matches in the CONCACAF 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Tournament. Under the guidance of French coach Sébastien Migné, the team has announced its roster of 23 players for the final two second-leg matches. These games, scheduled for November 13, 2025, against Costa Rica and November 18 against Nicaragua, will determine whether Haiti secures a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The Grenadiers have shown a mixed performance in the tournament so far, with one win, two draws, and one loss in their first four matches. The team’s current standing in Group C places them third, behind Honduras and Costa Rica. The upcoming matches are critical for Haiti’s hopes of advancing to the World Cup, and the nation eagerly anticipates the outcome.
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KFC backs TTFA World Cup campaign with $100k sponsorship
In a significant move to bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s national football team, Prestige Holdings Limited, through its flagship brand KFC, has joined forces with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA). This partnership aims to support the men’s national team as they face Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18 in two critical 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. KFC has contributed TT$100,000 to aid the team’s preparation, covering essential aspects such as training, logistics, and operations at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. This investment underscores KFC’s commitment to sports development and its belief in the transformative power of football to unite and empower communities. Roger Rambharose, Vice President of KFC and Pizza Hut, emphasized the brand’s dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering national pride through sports. TTFA President Kieron Edwards expressed profound gratitude for KFC’s support, highlighting the importance of corporate partnerships in achieving the team’s goals. Head coach Dwight Yorke echoed this sentiment, urging the nation to rally behind the team as they strive to keep their World Cup dreams alive. The TTFA continues to strengthen its ties with corporate stakeholders, encouraging fans to show their support by attending the matches and wearing the national colors proudly.
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Lenny Wilkens, Basketball Hall of Famer as player and coach, dies
LOS ANGELES, United States — The basketball world mourns the loss of Lenny Wilkens, a revered figure in the NBA, who passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family on Sunday. Wilkens, celebrated as both a Hall of Fame player and coach, left an indelible mark on the sport through his remarkable career and contributions.
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CAPACITY TO COPE
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation in Jamaica nearly two weeks ago, particularly in the island’s western parishes, the question of when to resume sporting activities has ignited a national debate. While some argue that restarting events like the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) could restore a sense of normalcy and hope, others contend it is premature, given the physical and psychological toll on athletes, coaches, and communities. The JPL organizers have adopted a cautious approach, prioritizing the well-being of players and staff before considering a return to competition. Communication disruptions persist across much of the island, and several clubs, including Montego Bay United and Treasure Beach FC, report severe damage to their facilities and personal impacts on players. Beyond logistical challenges, the psychological aftermath of the disaster adds complexity. Dr. André Bateman, a clinical and sports psychologist, highlights the disproportionate impact on the western side of the island, where recovery efforts are more arduous. He emphasizes the importance of sensitivity in resuming sports, noting the psychological divide between those ready to move forward and those still grappling with loss. Athletes, even in less affected areas, may carry emotional burdens, including survivor’s guilt, which can hinder their performance. Bateman stresses the need for open communication and accessible mental health support, urging the Government and sporting authorities to provide resources like group therapy. While sports can serve as a therapeutic outlet for athletes, Bateman warns against using them as a distraction, which may exacerbate trauma. For now, the consensus among organizers leans toward patience and compassion, recognizing the delicate balance between recovery and the desire to return to normalcy.
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Pleasantville girls begin SSFL ‘Big 5’ title defence
Pleasantville Secondary is set to defend their Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Girls’ ‘Big 5′ title as they face Chaguanas South Secondary in the 2025 quarterfinal. The match will take place at Lewis Street in San Fernando on November 9 at 3 pm. Pleasantville has been a dominant force in the south championship division, winning all six matches, scoring 62 goals, and conceding none. Their impressive run included a 15-0 victory over Moruga Secondary and a 3-0 win against St Stephen’s College in their final championship match on October 23. This season, Pleasantville has already secured the Girls’ Super Cup with a 2-1 triumph over St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) in September. Last year, they clinched the Big 5 title by defeating Five Rivers Secondary 3-0 in the final at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. However, their quest for a national double was thwarted by SJCPoS, who defeated them 5-3 on penalties in the national intercol final. To retain the Big 5 title, Pleasantville may have to overcome SJCPoS again, as the two schools could meet in the semifinals if Pleasantville advances past Chaguanas South. The semifinals are scheduled for November 13, with Signal Hill Secondary facing Five Rivers Secondary in the other semi. The final will be held on November 16.
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Hillview win again, clinch SSFL premier division spot
Hillview College has cemented its place in the 2026 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Premier Division after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Palo Seco Secondary on November 8. The match, held at Hillview’s home ground in Tunapuna, marked the culmination of a stellar season for the east zone champions. With this win, Hillview completed a perfect run in the First Citizens Boys’ “Big 5” playoffs, securing nine points from three consecutive victories. The team had previously triumphed over Presentation College Chaguanas and Mucurapo West Secondary, showcasing their dominance in the championship division. The game against Palo Seco was a tense affair, with Hillview taking the lead in the 40th minute through Ky’Mani Prieto. However, Palo Seco equalized in the 66th minute after Akil Baptiste capitalized on a goalkeeping error. Despite Palo Seco goalkeeper Kristan Woods’ heroic saves, which earned him the MVP award, Hillview’s Jahmarley Ellis sealed the win with an 82nd-minute goal. This loss marked Palo Seco’s second consecutive defeat in the tournament. The Big 5 playoffs will continue on November 12, with Hillview hosting Speyside Secondary and Palo Seco facing Presentation College Chaguanas. Speyside, the Tobago championship division winners, are yet to play a match due to postponements. The top three teams in the Big 5 will advance to the 2026 SSFL Premier Division.
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Garcia scores for Spartak in Russian Cup quaterfinal win
Trinidad and Tobago’s star forward Levi Garcia delivered a stellar performance for Spartak Moscow in their 3-1 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow in the first leg of the Russian Cup quarterfinal on November 6. The 27-year-old opened the scoring just four minutes into the match, capitalizing on a rebound after Lokomotiv’s goalkeeper Daniil Veselov initially saved his header. Garcia’s quick reflexes set the tone for Spartak’s dominant display. The Trinidadian was also involved in Spartak’s second goal in the 49th minute, albeit unintentionally, as a shot from Brazilian teammate Marquinhos Costa deflected off him and Lokomotiv defender Lucas Fasson before finding the net. Costa added a third goal with a clever flick at the near post, showcasing Spartak’s attacking prowess. Lokomotiv managed to pull one back in the 67th minute through Aleksey Batrakov, but their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Batrakov’s penalty was saved by Spartak’s goalkeeper Ilya Pomazun in the 80th minute. The return leg is scheduled for November 26. Meanwhile, Garcia, who has scored six goals in 16 matches this season, is expected to play a pivotal role in Trinidad and Tobago’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica and Bermuda on November 13 and 18, respectively. His recent form bodes well for coach Dwight Yorke’s squad as they aim to secure crucial victories in Mucurapo.