Suriname is poised at a pivotal juncture in the Concacaf region’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, currently leading Group A. With two critical matches ahead—against El Salvador at home in Paramaribo and Guatemala away—the team remains firmly in contention for a World Cup berth. Initially underestimated due to their FIFA ranking, Suriname has defied expectations, transforming from underdogs to formidable contenders. Early in the qualifiers, opponents dismissed Suriname with little respect, but the team’s resilience and growth have since commanded recognition. Despite setbacks during the Gold Cup, where Costa Rica and Mexico emerged victorious, Suriname has steadily built a competitive squad. Their performance in the final phase has been commendable, with a hard-fought draw against Panama marking a turning point. The match saw Panama abandon their aggressive strategy as Suriname proved their mettle, earning mutual respect and a shared point. Subsequent encounters with El Salvador and Guatemala have further solidified Suriname’s reputation, with opponents now approaching matches with caution rather than overconfidence. As the qualifiers reach their climax, Suriname faces immense pressure. Every point is crucial, and any misstep could jeopardize their World Cup aspirations. The team must balance offensive aggression with defensive solidity, particularly against opponents known for swift counterattacks. Suriname’s supporters also play a vital role; unsporting behavior could undermine the team’s progress. With focus and determination, Suriname aims to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s footballing journey.
分类： sports
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Six Belizean Athletes Score Major Olympic Funding
Six talented Belizean athletes have been granted a significant financial boost through the Olympic Solidarity Program, marking a pivotal moment in their journey toward Olympic glory. The program, administered by the International Olympic Academy, provides $18,000 monthly to support the training and development of these promising individuals. Each athlete will receive $1,500 per month, supplemented by additional funds to help cover living expenses, bringing their total monthly support to approximately $3,000. This initiative aims to enable them to focus full-time on their athletic pursuits as they strive to qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
Allan Sharp, President of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, emphasized the strategic focus on individual sports, which offer a more feasible path to Olympic qualification for smaller nations like Belize. He highlighted the challenges faced by team sports, which often require substantial financial investment and are limited in participation at international events.
The six athletes, evenly split between male and female participants, have already demonstrated exceptional talent at the junior level in regional competitions. Nyasha Harris, a track and field athlete, expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, noting its role in supporting her training, travel, and daily expenses as she aims to improve her personal best times. Similarly, Derrick Chavarria, a cyclist, shared his aspirations to compete in Europe, where he hopes to gain experience and challenge himself against the world’s best.
While the scholarships target individual athletes, team sports in Belize will also benefit from over $900,000 in funding over the next two months. This dual approach underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence across all disciplines. Shane Williams of News Five reports on this transformative development for Belize’s sporting future.
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Douglas Langford Makes NCAA Division I Debut
Belizean basketball prodigy Douglas Langford Jr. has etched his name in history by making his NCAA Division I debut for the San Jose State University Spartans. On Monday, Langford took to the court against the Utah Utes in a season opener, marking a monumental moment for his family and Belizean basketball. His father, Douglas Langford Sr., expressed immense pride and excitement, describing the experience as deeply emotional. He emphasized the importance of unwavering parental support in nurturing children’s dreams, no matter how ambitious. Langford Jr. now joins an elite group of Belizean athletes who have competed at the Division I level, including Kirk “Shabba” Smith and Keith “Superman” Acosta. Fans can catch Langford in action on CBS against Stanford on December 13, or on ESPN Plus this Saturday as the Spartans face UC Santa Barbara.
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Windies edge New Zealand in thriller in first T20I
In a heart-stopping encounter at Eden Park on November 5, the West Indies secured a dramatic victory against New Zealand in the opening match of their five-match T20 International series. This marked the Windies’ first win in regulation time in T20Is on New Zealand soil against the Black Caps, with their previous triumph coming via a Super Over.
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SALCC, SMC to meet for schools’ basketball title
The stage is set for an electrifying finale in the Under-19 boys’ schools’ basketball tournament, as defending champions Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) prepare to face St Mary’s College (SMC) on Thursday, November 6. The championship clash, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports, will take place at the Beausejour Gymnasium, capping off an intense competition. SALCC secured their spot in the final with a commanding 66-44 victory over Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) in the semifinals. Despite CCSS leading by five points at halftime, SALCC’s experience and defensive prowess turned the tide in their favor. Key performances from Malik Denis, who scored 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and made eight steals, and Joel Desrivieres, with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, were instrumental in the win. Meshach Du Boulay stood out for CCSS with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Meanwhile, SMC avenged last year’s semifinal loss by defeating Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School (SCSS) 50-39. Rollins Estwick led SMC with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Jabarie Archibald contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds. SCSS, missing key player Alex Longville due to injury, saw strong performances from Curdin Jones, who recorded 16 points and 22 rebounds, and Chaz Alexander with 13 points. Earlier in the day, CCSS and SCSS will compete in the third-place playoff at 1 p.m., followed by the championship game at 2 p.m.
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Benna Boy and Benna Girls to Play Home Matches at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
Antigua and Barbuda’s national football teams are set to deliver an exhilarating month of football action at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The Benna Boys, the men’s national team, will launch their Concacaf Series campaign on home turf with three pivotal matches scheduled for November 12, 18, and 27. Meanwhile, the Benna Girls, the women’s national team, will take the spotlight on November 27 as they compete in the Concacaf W Qualifiers against Nicaragua. Football enthusiasts across the nation are being urged to rally behind their teams, bringing fervent home support to inspire both squads as they aim to leave a lasting impression in regional competitions. This month promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination for Antigua and Barbuda’s footballing community.
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Nestor tips off UNT tenure with double-double
Megan Nestor, a rising basketball star from Saint Lucia, made an impressive debut for the University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team, contributing significantly to one of the program’s most dominant victories. In the season opener on November 4, UNT’s Mean Green overwhelmed Oklahoma Christian with a staggering 106-36 win at The Super Pit in Denton, Texas. Nestor, a former national netballer for Saint Lucia, showcased her versatility by recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-8 from the field. Her performance highlighted her transition from Wayland Baptist University, where she set school records in rebounding and emerged as a consistent scoring threat. Nestor’s 15.9 points and 13.5 rebounds per game during the 2023-2024 season earned her the honor of having her jersey displayed at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee. Starting at center, Nestor’s impact was immediate, as she led the team in rebounds and contributed two assists and a block in just 22 minutes of play. Head coach Jason Burton praised the team’s balanced offensive capabilities, noting the presence of players who can stretch the floor and dominate inside. Nestor’s inclusion on the Lisa Leslie Centre of the Year Award Watchlist further underscores her potential. The 106-point outing marked the second time under Burton that UNT has surpassed 100 points, solidifying his teams’ reputation for high-scoring games. UNT will continue its season with a game against Grambling State on Friday night.
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Ex-footballer Willie takes over New York youth programme
Former Saint Lucia international footballer Sylvie Willie has been appointed as the new programme manager for Syracuse City FC, a youth development initiative under the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Syracuse & Onondaga County in New York. Willie, who holds a degree in business management from Mid-American, brings a wealth of experience as a player, coach, and mentor to her new role. Her predecessor, David Pittman Toré, now head coach at Bryant & Stratton College, praised Willie’s elite playing experience, coaching leadership, and dedication to youth empowerment through sports. In her new position, Willie will oversee player development, community engagement, and youth mentorship initiatives, ensuring young athletes have access to high-quality soccer training, positive role models, and opportunities to thrive. Willie began her football journey at age 13, representing Saint Lucia at both Under-20 and senior levels. After moving to the United States in 2017, she excelled academically and athletically, becoming a four-time all-conference and all-league scholar-athlete. Post-graduation, she dedicated herself to coaching, working with players aged 4-25 across various programmes. Currently an assistant coach at Bryant & Stratton’s women’s soccer team, Willie was recommended for the Syracuse City FC role by her head coach, who recognized her qualities, experience, and values. Known for her record-breaking performances, including a single-game record of 10 points and 5 goals, Willie aims to help young Saint Lucian soccer players secure US scholarships and further their careers.
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‘WE’LL WAIT’
The Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) remains on hold indefinitely as the island continues to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The category five storm, which struck just over a week ago, caused widespread destruction, particularly in the western and southern regions of Jamaica. Montego Bay United (MBU) and Treasure Beach FC, two clubs from these areas, have been severely affected, with players and staff losing personal property, including homes, and club assets sustaining significant damage.
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West Indies lose by three runs to Black Caps in second T20
In a nail-biting encounter at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand narrowly defeated the West Indies by three runs in the second match of their five-game T20 series on November 6. The Black Caps set a formidable target of 207/5, thanks to a blistering 78-run knock from Mark Chapman, who smashed seven sixes and six fours in just 28 balls. Contributions from Tim Robinson (39), Daryl Mitchell (28*), and skipper Mitchell Santner (18*) further bolstered the total. For the West Indies, Roston Chase led the bowling attack with figures of 2/33, supported by Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, and Romario Shepherd, who each claimed a wicket. Chasing 208, the West Indies struggled early as opener Brandon King fell for a duck. Despite a brief recovery from Alick Athanaze (33) and Shai Hope (24), the middle order faltered, leaving the team at 93/6. Rovman Powell (45) and Romario Shepherd (34) reignited hopes with a 62-run partnership, but Powell’s dismissal in the final over dashed their chances. Matthew Forde’s late 29-run cameo wasn’t enough as the West Indies fell short at 204/8. Santner (3/31) and Ish Sodhi (3/39) were the standout bowlers for New Zealand. The series is now tied 1-1, with the third T20 scheduled for November 8 at Saxton Oval.