The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by securing its largest-ever sponsorship haul for 2025, marking a historic moment for the organization. This accomplishment highlights the growing commercial strength of Jamaican football and the federation’s ambitious Road to 2026 campaign. Tanya Lee Perkins, the JFF Ambassador leading the sponsorship initiative, emphasized that this success reflects increasing corporate confidence in the national football program. Perkins revealed that the federation has garnered unprecedented sponsorship revenue, driven by both long-standing partners like Adidas and Wray & Nephew, and new investments from companies such as Visa, Grace Foods, and Powerade. These partnerships have not only bolstered the team’s preparation for the intercontinental play-offs in March but also enhanced the fan experience through initiatives like the sponsor village, jumbo screens, and upgraded hospitality. The announcement coincided with a record-breaking turnout of over 35,000 fans at the National Stadium, evoking memories of Jamaica’s iconic 1997 World Cup qualification run. Despite falling short in their recent match, the Reggae Boyz remain determined to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Perkins expressed gratitude to fans and sponsors, whose unwavering support has reignited national enthusiasm for football and fueled the team’s journey forward.
分类： sports
-
WI grouped with Bangladesh, England for T20 World Cup
The two-time ICC T20 World Cup champions, West Indies, have been placed in a challenging group for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Group C includes formidable opponents such as Bangladesh and fellow two-time champions England, alongside Nepal and first-time qualifiers Italy. The tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, will see the Windies kick off their campaign against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 7. They will then face England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 11, followed by matches against Nepal on February 15 and Italy on February 19, both in Kolkata. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eights phase, starting February 21. The 2026 edition will feature 20 teams, with co-hosts India and Sri Lanka leading their respective groups. India, the reigning champions, will face arch-rivals Pakistan in Group A, while Group B includes Australia and Sri Lanka. Group D features 2024 runners-up South Africa, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Canada, and the UAE. The West Indies, coached by Daren Sammy, had a strong group stage in the 2024 tournament but struggled in the Super Eights. Currently on a tour in New Zealand, the Windies have faced mixed results, losing the T20 and ODI series but securing a commanding T20 win in Bangladesh. Their recent encounters with Bangladesh and Nepal will be crucial as they prepare for the World Cup. Before the tournament, the Windies will play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan in January. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta and chairman Jay Shah have promised a thrilling spectacle, highlighting the tournament’s competitive nature and global appeal.
-
Saint Lucia places 4th at Rugby Americas North tournament
The Saint Lucia national men’s rugby team concluded their campaign in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Tournament with a fourth-place finish in Tier 2, held at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago. Despite a narrow 10-13 loss to The Bahamas in the group stage, the team advanced to the semifinals, showcasing resilience and determination. In the preliminary match against The Bahamas, Benerrero Wellington scored an unconverted try in the fourth minute, leveling the score at 5-5 by halftime. Claudius Medouze’s powerful run in the second half briefly gave Saint Lucia the lead, but The Bahamas responded with a try and secured victory with a last-minute penalty kick. Earlier in the tournament, Saint Lucia dominated the British Virgin Islands 14-5, with tries from Melvin Alexis and debutant Yantez Jn Baptiste, complemented by two conversions from Malyle Cherry. They also triumphed over St Vincent and the Grenadines with a commanding 31-12 victory, featuring contributions from Alexis, Wellington, Jn Baptiste, and Medouze, alongside conversions by Cherry, Jn Baptiste, and Jesey Francois. Additionally, Saint Lucia shut out The Turks and Caicos Islands 12-0, with Medouze and Alexis scoring tries. However, their playoff journey ended with a 0-19 defeat to Curaçao, followed by a 17-26 loss to The Bahamas in the third-place playoff, despite a spirited comeback led by Jn Baptiste, Francois, and Le-Mani Lewis.
-
Reds Perreira questions vice captaincy selection for NZ tests
Veteran cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira has expressed concerns over the West Indies’ decision to retain Jomel Warrican as vice-captain for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, commencing on December 1. The West Indies enter the series on the back of disappointing performances in both the five-match T20 International and three-match One Day International series, despite some competitive displays. Perreira argued that Warrican, a left-arm spinner, may not be the ideal choice to support captain Roston Chase, particularly in pace-friendly conditions. He emphasized that vice-captain selections are typically made on a series-by-series basis and suggested that alternative candidates should have been considered. Additionally, Perreira raised questions about the management of injuries to fast-bowling duo Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who have been ruled out for the remainder of the year. He called for greater transparency regarding their rehabilitation process, including details about specialist consultations, progress updates, and their potential return to competitive cricket. The squad for the New Zealand tour sees the return of experienced fast bowler Kemar Roach, who is expected to play a pivotal role, alongside debutant Ojay Shields and returning player Kavem Hodge. Perreira voiced no objections to these selections, highlighting their potential contributions to the team.
-
Eerste Triathlon ooit in Nickerie smaakt naar meer
Nickerie, a district in Suriname, marked a historic milestone on Sunday by hosting its inaugural Triathlon. The event, organized by Vincent Sloot, saw ten athletes from Paramaribo take on the challenging combination of swimming, cycling, and running. The competition commenced at 7:00 AM at the Nickerie Tennis Club (NTC), featuring a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. Sloot described the event as a ‘significant first step’ for sports in the district, expressing hopes that the Sprint Triathlon would become an annual fixture during the Srefidensi weekend. He believes it could evolve into a sports attraction that also boosts local hospitality and tourism. Despite limited public turnout, likely due to insufficient promotion, the event proceeded smoothly and competitively. Four women and six men participated, with Lycke Woittiez and Lesley Cairo emerging as the top finishers in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively. The results showcased the athletes’ dedication and the event’s potential to grow in the future.
-
Cricket association launches girls’ initiative
In a landmark event at Mindoo Phillip Park, over 60 young female cricketers gathered for a transformative training session, marking the inaugural intake of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Under-17 Grassroots Hub Festival. This initiative aims to expand the pool of female cricketers and inspire the next generation of talent. The session featured prominent cricketing figures, including West Indies senior allrounder Nerissa Crafton, Under-19 pacer Selena Ross, Windward Islands player Namiah Marcellin, and former West Indies fast bowler Philipa Thomas-Eudovic, who shared their expertise and motivated the aspiring athletes. Guided by coach Alton Crafton and supported by a team of current and former players, the young participants engaged in rigorous drills and eagerly sought inspiration from their role models. Roseline Preville, SLNCA’s third vice-president for women’s cricket, emphasized the program’s broader vision, stating, ‘We are looking to have competitions starting from the schools and integrating cricket into the curriculum.’ The initiative also plans to introduce a foundation cricket coaching course for physical education teachers, further embedding cricket into Saint Lucia’s educational framework. With the global rise of women’s cricket, this program seeks to create opportunities for young women to excel in the sport and potentially represent the West Indies on the international stage.
-
Manchester High make winning start to ISSA basketball title defence
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Manchester High, the double defending champions, kicked off their campaign in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Rural Area Basketball competition with a commanding performance on Monday. The team secured victories in both the Under-16 and Under-19 categories against Munro College at their home court in Manchester. The competition, which had been delayed by nearly a month due to Hurricane Melissa in late October, saw Manchester High dominate with a 95-18 win in the Under-19 game, led by Shawn Bogle’s 20 points. Earlier, they triumphed 110-13 in the Under-16 game, with Jaquain Palmer scoring a game-high 28 points. Meanwhile, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) also enjoyed a double victory over Christiana High in Zone A, winning 21-8 in the junior game and 69-17 in the seniors. In other matches, Belair High defeated Old Harbour High 56-30 in the Under-19 game, after Old Harbour had claimed a 45-20 win in the Under-16 category. The competition resumes with high expectations for continued thrilling performances.
-
MCCLAREN’S MESS
Steve McClaren’s journey as the head coach of Jamaica’s national football team came to an abrupt and disappointing end following the Reggae Boyz’s failure to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. McClaren, who took charge in July 2024, faced significant challenges throughout his 475-day tenure, which concluded with a 0-0 draw against Curacao in Kingston on November 18, 2025. This result left Jamaica out of automatic qualification, forcing them into a last-chance inter-confederation playoff in March 2026. McClaren’s resignation, announced during his final press conference, marked the culmination of a turbulent period marked by fan discontent, internal friction, and unmet expectations. His decision to remain in England rather than relocate to Jamaica, his perceived bias towards England-born players, and the team’s underwhelming performances in key tournaments contributed to his downfall. Despite initial optimism and support from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), McClaren’s inability to deliver results ultimately sealed his fate. The Reggae Boyz now face an uphill battle to qualify for the World Cup under interim coach Rudolph Speid, while McClaren’s future in international football remains uncertain.
-
Double bronze for Trinidad and Tobago at RAN Sevens
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) senior men’s and women’s rugby teams delivered impressive performances at the 2025 RAN Sevens tournament, held at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on November 23. The men’s team triumphed over Bermuda with a commanding 29-5 victory, securing their qualification for the 2026 Caribbean American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. Meanwhile, the women’s team dominated their Bermudian counterparts with a resounding 27-0 win, earning a bronze medal. Despite their strong showing, the women’s team narrowly missed out on CAC Games qualification. The men’s team, led by standout performances from Jonathan Taylor, who scored a hat-trick, and Ruairi O’Farrell, who contributed two conversions, showcased their resilience after a semifinal loss to Canada. The women’s team, spearheaded by Fayola Jack’s two tries, demonstrated their prowess in the bronze medal match. Canada and Mexico emerged as the tournament champions in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, with both teams advancing to the SVNS qualification pathway. TT Rugby Union Treasurer Chad Simeon expressed pride in the teams’ achievements and highlighted the union’s ambitions to establish TT as a premier rugby destination. The 2025 RAN Sevens, featuring 20 teams from 14 countries, was streamed globally on RugbyPass TV, further elevating the tournament’s profile.
-
Hinds, Jaipaul shine for Red Force as Motie keeps Guyana hopeful
In a thrilling Super50 Cup encounter at Tarouba on November 23, the Guyana Harpy Eagles orchestrated a stunning recovery from a precarious position to post a competitive total of 196 against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. Despite a dominant start by the Red Force, who reduced Guyana to 21 for 4 and later 79 for 6, the Harpy Eagles’ middle-order batsmen Gudakesh Motie and Keemo Paul spearheaded a spirited fightback. Motie, who was dropped from the New Zealand tour due to poor form, showcased his batting prowess with a gritty 65 off 58 balls, while Paul contributed a brisk 39 off 40. Their partnership of 65 runs off 64 balls shifted the momentum in Guyana’s favor. Earlier, the Red Force’s bowlers, led by Terrance Hinds (3 for 18) and Ricky Jaipaul (3 for 29), had dismantled the top order. Hinds, in particular, made crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissal of Guyana’s skipper Matthew Nandu for just 2. The match, delayed by heavy rains and reduced to 44 overs per side, saw the Red Force aiming to extend their dominance over Guyana, having won their last four encounters. However, the Harpy Eagles, determined to reverse their recent poor record against the Red Force, fought valiantly to set a challenging target. The stage is now set for an intriguing chase as Trinidad and Tobago look to secure their fifth consecutive victory over Guyana in the Super50 Cup.