分类： sports

In a nail-biting encounter on November 5, Mucurapo West Secondary School clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Presentation College Chaguanas in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ championship playoff. The match, held at Presentation College’s grounds in Chaguanas, saw Mucurapo bounce back from a recent defeat to secure their second win in three matches. This victory keeps them in contention for promotion to the 2026 SSFL premier division season, alongside east zone leaders Hillview College, who also have six points. The game began with a quick exchange of goals, as Nazim Skinner put Mucurapo ahead in the fifth minute, only for Hassan Edghill to equalize for Presentation two minutes later. Amenhotep Harper restored Mucurapo’s lead, but Aaron Bynoe leveled the score again for Presentation. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Caleb Jacob, named Man of the Match, scored the winning goal, marking his third goal in the tournament. Meanwhile, the match between Palo Seco Secondary and Speyside Secondary was postponed, leaving Speyside yet to make their tournament debut. Hillview College currently leads the standings on goal difference, having secured a dominant 7-0 victory over Presentation and a 3-0 win against Mucurapo. The Big 5 tournament resumes on November 8, with Speyside hosting Mucurapo and Hillview facing Palo Seco.

The highly anticipated second practice match between the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Super50 Cup squad and the Trinidad and Tobago Bolivarian XI was abruptly called off due to persistent rain at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on November 5. Despite the Red Force posting an impressive total of 358/5 in 44.2 overs, the weather intervened, cutting short the day’s play. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Super50 team showcased their batting prowess. Middle-order batsman Jyd Goolie was the standout performer, delivering a blistering 151 not out off just 81 balls, including 22 fours and five sixes, before retiring. Captain Joshua Da Silva also contributed significantly with a solid 89 off 54 balls, featuring seven fours and seven sixes. Opener Navin Bidaisee added a steady 71 from 80 balls. However, with Joshua James (18 not out) and Bryan Charles (5 not out) at the crease and just over five overs remaining, heavy rain forced the match to be abandoned. Earlier, Goolie and Bidaisee had built a formidable 133-run partnership, while Da Silva and Goolie added 113 runs together. In the first practice match on November 3, the Super50 team secured a five-wicket victory, chasing down a revised target of 304 after the Bolivarian XI had posted 317/9 in 44 overs.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) and Olympic legend Ato Boldon have stepped up to spearhead relief efforts. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, unleashed winds exceeding 185 mph, causing widespread devastation and leaving numerous communities in ruins. The death toll in Jamaica has surpassed 30, with Haiti also reporting over 40 fatalities.

The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), a cornerstone in nurturing young football talent, is under scrutiny for its limited three-month duration. David Nakhid, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and former national football captain, has voiced concerns that this short season stifles the potential of emerging players. Speaking on TV6’s Morning Edition on November 5, Nakhid emphasized the need for innovation in Trinidad and Tobago’s football system, drawing parallels to transformative changes in countries like Germany and Belgium during the 1990s. He highlighted the importance of integrating technology and extending the SSFL season to six months, a proposal supported by SSFL President Merere Gonzales. Nakhid underscored the league’s significance, noting its role in securing scholarships for students to attend US universities and its widespread engagement among parents, students, and stakeholders. He envisions a system where more young footballers gain recognition from international scouts, thereby enhancing their opportunities for both athletic and academic advancement.

Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging track cycling sensation, Makaira Wallace, has described her inaugural appearance at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile, as a profoundly inspiring and motivating experience. Competing for the first time as a senior rider, Wallace marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

St Paul’s Anglican Primary School emerged victorious in the Victoria District Under-11 final, securing a decisive 3-0 win against San Fernando Boys’ RC at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on November 4. The match showcased stellar performances from the young athletes, with Malachi Joseph opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Khadeem Flemming extended the lead in the 30th minute, and Wraydenn Charles sealed the triumph with a final goal in the 33rd minute. This victory marks St Paul’s second district championship in three years, following their dominant 3-0 semi-final win against defending champions San Fernando Boys’ Government. Head coach Rondel Renwick attributed the team’s success to rigorous preparation and unwavering commitment from the players, coaching staff, and school administration. Renwick emphasized the importance of discipline, development, and the collective effort in shaping the future of Trinidad and Tobago football. The team now sets its sights on the national tournament, with preparation remaining a cornerstone of their strategy.

In a significant move to bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s boxing sector, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA) Phillip Watts officially appointed a five-member Trinidad Boxing Board of Control (TBBC) on November 5. The ceremony, held at Nicholas Tower in Port of Spain, marked the beginning of a two-year term for the newly installed board. The TBBC is tasked with regulating and promoting boxing under the Boxing Control Act, Chapter 21:52, Section 2(1).

The board is led by Kirt Sinnette, a national boxing champion and former Olympian, who assumes the role of chairman. He is supported by deputy chairman Kim Quashie, a seasoned boxing coordinator. Other members include sport administrator Kwanieze John, business administrator Hemrajh Rampersad, and attorney Bryan Basdeo. The diverse expertise of the board members underscores its mission to uphold the nation’s rich boxing heritage while driving modernization and creating opportunities for emerging athletes and coaches.

Minister Watts emphasized the board’s critical role in preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s proud boxing history and modernizing the sport to build a legacy of opportunities for future generations. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering discipline, resilience, and national pride through boxing, particularly in grassroots communities.

The MSYA remains dedicated to uniting stakeholders and advancing sport and youth development as part of its broader vision for the nation’s future. This appointment signals a renewed focus on enhancing the sport’s infrastructure and ensuring its continued growth and relevance in Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago’s para-athlete Jevonte David soared to victory, securing the gold medal in the men’s F42 shot put event on November 4 during the 2025 Parapan American Youth Games in Santiago, Chile. The event, held at the Mario Recordon Stadium, witnessed David’s exceptional performance as he hurled the shot an impressive 10.27 meters, outpacing a formidable lineup of competitors from the Caribbean, South, and Central America. David’s triumph marks a significant milestone for Trinidad and Tobago in the international para-athletics arena. Beyond the shot put, David is poised to compete for top honors in the men’s discus throw F45 and javelin throw F45 events. He is accompanied by his teammate Odessa Wilkinson, who is set to participate in the women’s shot put F40-41, discus throw F41, and javelin F41 events, further bolstering the nation’s presence at the Games.