Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Women Warriors confident of strong Concacaf W Qualifiers start

    Women Warriors confident of strong Concacaf W Qualifiers start

    A revitalized Trinidad and Tobago senior women’s football squad embarks on their CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers campaign with unwavering confidence, targeting a victorious start against Barbados this Sunday at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

    Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Damian Briggs, the 23-member contingent arrives in Barbados on November 29 for final preparations. The team represents a strategic fusion of seasoned international veterans and promising new talent, all united in their quest for a positive result. Veteran striker Kennya ‘Yaya’ Cordner captains the squad, which features experienced players like midfielders Asha James (Defence Force) and Marie-Frances Serrant (Neom FC, Saudi Arabia), alongside newcomers poised for their international debut.

    Coach Briggs, who assumed leadership just two months ago, expressed strong belief in his team’s capabilities following an intensive pre-tournament camp. ‘Everyone’s buzzing with the belief that we can secure three points, or at minimum one. We’re confident that if we perform to our full potential, we’ll achieve a positive outcome,’ Briggs stated during final preparations at the TTFA technical centre in Couva.

    The squad composition reflects a deliberate recruitment strategy combining local TT Pro League standouts and overseas-based talents. Notable inclusions feature goalkeeper Akyla Walcott (Wheeling University), defender Cicely Spencer Wickham (Niagara University), and forward Gabrielle Williams (Sutton), among other international prospects identified through TTFA’s expanded scouting network.

    Briggs emphasized the importance of this recruitment approach: ‘To compete with the best teams, we must be hand-in-hand with recruitment efforts.’ He specifically credited TTFA’s director of women’s football Jinelle James and overseas contributors for their role in talent identification.

    While the team suffered a 4-1 friendly defeat to Jamaica in October during Briggs’ early tenure, the coach reframed this result as a valuable assessment tool rather than a setback. The match provided crucial insights into necessary tactical adjustments and team development areas. According to Briggs, the subsequent month has seen significant progression in both team chemistry and tactical understanding.

    The upcoming match against Barbados marks the first of three Group B qualifiers, with subsequent away fixtures against Honduras (March 4) and a home match against El Salvador (April 17). The group winner will advance to the CONCACAF W Championship, serving as the gateway to qualification for both the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.

  • Basketball: Herbert score big wins over York Castle

    Basketball: Herbert score big wins over York Castle

    Herbert Morrison Technical High School commenced their Inter Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Rural Area Zone B boys basketball campaign with an extraordinary display of dominance, securing resounding victories in both Under-16 and Under-19 divisions against York Castle High on Friday in Montego Bay.

    The junior matchup saw Herbert Morrison’s Under-16 squad establish an early command, concluding the first quarter with a 24-13 advantage. By halftime, their lead had expanded significantly to 47-21. Maintaining relentless pressure, they entered the final period ahead 64-26, ultimately sealing a decisive 94-37 triumph.

    Shamar Russell delivered a spectacular performance for the victorious side, dominating the scoreboard with 37 points while contributing 13 rebounds and 4 steals. He received substantial support from teammates Antonio Kerr and Michael Johnson, each adding 10 points to the tally. For York Castle, Marcodean Frater led the scoring effort with 13 points, followed by Kelaughn Grant with 12.

    The senior game witnessed even more overwhelming dominance as Herbert Morrison’s Under-19 team achieved a historic 109-19 victory, prevailing by a remarkable 90-point margin. The home team’s defensive prowess was immediately evident as they concluded the first quarter with an astonishing 31-0 shutout. By halftime, the advantage had grown to 54-4, and after three quarters, they maintained an 84-11 lead.

    Joshua Ferguson orchestrated the victory with a near-triple-double performance, recording 21 points, 10 steals, and 9 assists. Kyla Palmer emerged as the game’s top scorer with 28 points alongside 9 rebounds, while Ryan Jurdine contributed significantly with 20 points. Christian Andorn provided the primary resistance for York Castle, finishing with 7 points and 6 rebounds.

    The comprehensive victories establish Herbert Morrison Technical as a formidable contender in both age categories as the ISSA basketball season progresses.

  • Latapy excited as charity golf achieves goals

    Latapy excited as charity golf achieves goals

    The inaugural Russell Latapy Education and Sports Foundation Charity Golf Tournament successfully launched on November 29 at Millennium Lakes Golf Course in Trincity, marking a significant addition to Trinidad’s sporting calendar. The event brought together former national athletes, medical professionals, business executives, and recreational golfers who competed not just for victory but to support youth development initiatives.

    Emerging victorious from the competitive field were Ahamad Ali and Dr. Aroon Narayansingh, who secured the championship with an impressive score of 63.65. The duo finished ahead of former national footballer Trent Noel and Clinton Brewster, who claimed second place with 64.25, while Sheriff Babwah and Dr. Nigel Lum Hee took third with 65.75.

    Among the tournament’s most memorable moments was national player Jessel Mohammed’s remarkable hole-in-one on the fourth hole—his tenth career ace—while partnering with Neville Mohammed to finish fourth overall.

    For tournament organizer Russell Latapy, the former national football star known as “The Little Magician,” the event’s success extended beyond the competition itself. He expressed particular satisfaction with the atmosphere of enjoyment and camaraderie that permeated the course, noting that participants’ enjoyment was his primary concern.

    “I am happy to say that they seemed to have fun, which was my major concern,” Latapy told Newsday. “Everybody had a good day, whatever their result on the golf course was, and again, it’s for a good cause.”

    The foundation’s core mission of supporting educational and sporting opportunities for young people gained a new fundraising pillar through this tournament, complementing existing community programs and youth initiatives. Latapy acknowledged the crucial support of event partners, including Shane Sagar and cricket legend Brian Lara, who partnered with Latapy on the course and finished eighth overall with a score of 67.00.

    Latapy praised Lara as “my friend and brother” and humorously admitted relying on the cricket icon’s “prodigious putting ability,” noting that putting remains his own weakness. Beyond the celebrity participation, participants universally echoed Latapy’s enthusiasm for the event’s spirit and purpose.

    Dr. Narayansingh, reflecting on his victory, emphasized that the camaraderie stood as the day’s true hallmark: “What mattered was the camaraderie that existed here. Of course, I enjoyed the result, but it was a fantastic day.”

    With the successful debut concluded, organizers are already planning enhancements for the 2026 edition, incorporating feedback from participants to refine everything from tournament format to field size. The event has established a firm foundation for supporting youth development through sports while creating a new tradition in Trinidad’s golf community.

  • Arsenal held by 10-man Chelsea, Isak ends drought to fire Liverpool

    Arsenal held by 10-man Chelsea, Isak ends drought to fire Liverpool

    In a dramatic Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal’s title ambitions were tested by a resilient Chelsea side that held the league leaders to a 1-1 draw despite playing with ten men for most of the match. The pivotal moment came in the 38th minute when Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Arsenal’s Mikel Merino.

    Despite their numerical disadvantage, Chelsea stunned the visitors when Trevoh Chalobah powered a header from Reece James’ corner into the net just after halftime. The Blues’ lead was short-lived as Merino redeemed himself in the 59th minute, meeting Bukayo Saka’s precise cross with a clinical header from close range.

    The result maintains Arsenal’s five-point advantage at the summit over defending champions Manchester City, with Chelsea remaining six points adrift in third position. Arsenal’s impressive unbeaten streak now stretches to 17 matches across all competitions, while Chelsea have extended their own unbeaten run to seven games.

    Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his team’s resilience: “We demonstrated we’re moving in the right direction. We were superior with eleven players, and despite the numerical disadvantage, our response was exceptional.”

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the intensity of the encounter: “Two teams playing with tremendous intensity and aggression—you could feel it in every challenge. We scored a magnificent goal and created several significant opportunities after an emotionally and physically demanding week.”

    In other Premier League action, Liverpool ended their goal drought with a 2-0 victory at West Ham. Record signing Alexander Isak finally opened his account for the Reds, scoring his first top-flight goal since his £125 million move from Newcastle. Cody Gakpo sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal, providing much-needed relief for manager Arne Slot.

    Manchester United staged a comeback to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1, with Joshua Zirkzee ending his nearly year-long goal drought before Mason Mount secured the winner. Aston Villa continued their remarkable turnaround with a 1-0 victory over Wolves, moving into fourth place thanks to Boubacar Kamara’s spectacular strike. Brighton avenged last season’s humiliation with a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest, climbing to fifth in the table.

  • MATCH DAY: Sisserou Girls take on Jamaica in opening qualifier

    MATCH DAY: Sisserou Girls take on Jamaica in opening qualifier

    GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA – Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Team commences its 2025–2026 CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers journey with a highly anticipated match against Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz. The encounter kicks off at 3:00 p.m. local time today at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, marking the beginning of a demanding qualification phase for the Sisserou Girls.

    This inaugural match represents the first step in a challenging group stage that will subsequently see Dominica confront Guyana in February, followed by clashes with Nicaragua and Antigua & Barbuda in April. The team’s campaign is characterized by a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience, aiming to make a profound statement on the international stage.

    In a historic appointment, 17-year-old prodigy Dymond Daniel will lead the squad as captain, becoming the youngest individual ever to skipper Dominica’s senior women’s team in international competition. The roster showcases a strategic combination of promising domestic talent and veterans playing abroad, all united in their ambition to proudly represent the Nature Isle.

    Head Coach Ronnie Gustave revealed his psychological approach to preparing the team for facing world-class opponents like Manchester City’s Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw. ‘My central theme today is faith over fear,’ Gustave stated. ‘While acknowledging the caliber of players we’re facing, football is ultimately decided on the pitch. With collective belief and unified effort, we are confident in our ability to deliver a strong performance.’

    Physical Trainer Duly Polydore emphasized the importance of incorporating enjoyment into their preparatory routines. ‘Our muscle activation process focuses on relaxation and acid removal to ensure optimal physical readiness,’ Polydore explained. ‘We intentionally design these activities to be enjoyable and football-specific, aligning with the game’s inherent nature.’

    Supported by months of intensive preparation, the Sisserou Girls approach today’s match with remarkable unity and determination, symbolizing a growing movement for women’s football development in Dominica. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Disney+, enabling fans nationwide and throughout the diaspora to support their national team as they embark on this exciting competitive journey.

  • Iran to miss World Cup draw amid travel restrictions

    Iran to miss World Cup draw amid travel restrictions

    Iran’s national soccer federation has announced it will boycott the official draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington following the United States’ refusal to grant visas to members of its delegation. The decision, reported by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, represents a significant diplomatic incident at the intersection of international sports and politics.

    According to federation spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi, Iranian officials encountered “visa obstacles that transcend purely sporting considerations,” suggesting geopolitical tensions underlie the administrative decision. The delegation was expected to include Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer federation and one of Asia’s most influential football administrators who serves on two key FIFA committees overseeing World Cup operations.

    The development occurs against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s travel ban affecting citizens from twelve nations, including Iran, though exemptions were explicitly promised for athletes and sports officials participating in major international competitions. FIFA has been approached to mediate the situation, though world soccer’s governing body has not yet issued an official response.

    The White House maintained silence regarding the specific visa denials. This incident marks the latest chapter in the strained relations between the two nations, now impacting the global sports arena. The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a record 48 teams competing from June 11 to July 19.

  • West Terrace and Eden Lodge advance to semis

    West Terrace and Eden Lodge advance to semis

    The National Sports Council City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union Limited Herman Griffith Cricket Competition witnessed dramatic quarterfinal clashes on Thursday, with defending champions Williams Industries West Terrace Tigers and Gordon Greenidge Primary securing their places in the semifinal round.

    At Dash Valley playing field, West Terrace Tigers posted a formidable total of 163-9 in their 25-over allocation against Jordans Supermarket Good Shepherd. The Tigers’ innings was anchored by talented all-rounder Kailen Corbin’s impressive 45 runs, complemented by Neymar Forde’s contribution of 28. Damani Haynes emerged as the standout bowler for Good Shepherd, claiming 4 wickets for 23 runs.

    In response, Good Shepherd’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, being dismissed for 98 runs and conceding victory by a margin of 68 runs. Corbin delivered a remarkable bowling performance, securing 4 wickets for just 18 runs with his pace attack to complete his man-of-the-match display.

    Meanwhile, at Lears playing field, Gordon Greenidge Primary staged a spectacular comeback to defeat Eden Lodge in a nail-biting encounter. After suffering an early collapse at 18-6, Gordon Greenidge remarkably recovered to post 68 all out, largely due to Jaheem King’s devastating bowling figures of 6-7 for Eden Lodge.

    The Gordon Greenidge bowlers responded with equal ferocity, with Shomir Worrel leading the charge by taking 5-27 to skittle Eden Lodge for 62 runs, securing a dramatic 7-run victory and advancement to the semifinals.

    The semifinal matchups are now set for Wednesday, December 3 at Blenheim playing fields, where St Cyprians Boys will face Williams Industries West Terrace Tigers, and St Gabriels will take on Gordon Greenidge Primary, with both contests commencing at 10 a.m.

  • Bridgemohan makes T&T sailing history

    Bridgemohan makes T&T sailing history

    In an unprecedented development for Caribbean athletics, Trinidad and Tobago will mark its inaugural participation in the World Sailing Inclusion Championships following an official invitation from the global governing body. Twenty-three-year-old sailor Justin Bridgemohan and coach Kristof Stüven will represent the nation at the December 2025 event in Oman’s Barceló Mussanah Resort, signaling a transformative moment for inclusive sports in the region.

    Bridgemohan’s ascent to international competition embodies extraordinary determination. His parasport journey commenced merely last year at a badminton workshop in Mexico, where he encountered Stüven, then training as a classifier. Their shared vision of competitive sailing materialized through the Andrew Lewis Sailing Foundation’s Academy, which launched its inaugural summer program this year. Despite joining during the final phase, Bridgemohan demonstrated immediate aptitude among 200 trainees and now trains intensively multiple times weekly, progressing from novice to competing alongside able-bodied sailors.

    Stüven, serving as Head Coach at the Foundation and national classifier with the Trinidad and Tobago Paralympic Committee (TTPC), emphasized the broader significance: “This transcends competition—it represents a movement demonstrating sailing’s accessibility regardless of race, gender, or ability. Trinidad and Tobago possesses the talent and determination for global impact.”

    The championship carries dual importance: Bridgemohan will compete in the Hansa 303 class—a premier adaptive sailing vessel—to receive formal international classification, while Stüven will shadow world sailing classifiers, potentially becoming the Caribbean’s first para sailing classification expert. This milestone reflects growing institutional support from TTPC and the Andrew Lewis Foundation, highlighting regional advancements in parasport infrastructure.

    TTPC President Sudhir Ramessar celebrated the achievement: “Young leaders like Stüven and athletes like Bridgemohan exemplify excellence that will inspire Caribbean youth to recognize their potential.” The participation not only breaks competitive barriers but establishes a framework for future inclusive athletic development throughout the Caribbean basin.

  • Natio Uma boekt 3-1 zege op Anguilla in Concacaf-kwalificatie

    Natio Uma boekt 3-1 zege op Anguilla in Concacaf-kwalificatie

    Suriname’s women’s national football team has commenced their CONCACAF Championship qualification campaign with an impressive 3-1 away victory against Anguilla on Wednesday. The match demonstrated Suriname’s growing dominance in regional women’s football as they controlled proceedings from the opening whistle.

    Estelle Pereira initiated the scoring barrage in the 9th minute, providing Suriname with an early advantage. Rachel Van Netten then extended the lead during first-half stoppage time, securing a comfortable 2-0 margin at halftime. Van Netten continued her exceptional performance by netting her second goal early in the second half, establishing an insurmountable 3-0 lead. Although Anguilla’s Carlia Johnson managed a consolation goal during the final stages, it scarcely affected the match’s outcome.

    This victory holds particular significance as it marks Suriname’s strong opening in Group D of the CONCACAF qualification tournament. The team’s composition—featuring both domestic and internationally-based professionals—demonstrates the strategic development of women’s football in Suriname. Notable players including Kimara Alberg and Anjali Soechit contributed to this cohesive team performance.

    The success underscores the effectiveness of Suriname’s investment in building a competitive squad with players gaining experience in European leagues. This international exposure appears to be translating into improved performances at the continental level, suggesting promising prospects for Suriname’s football development.

    Historical context reveals this victory continues Suriname’s dominance over Anguilla, following their decisive 5-0 triumph in their previous 2022 encounter. The consistent performance improvement indicates structural growth within Suriname’s women’s football program.

    Attention now shifts to Suriname’s subsequent qualification matches as they seek to advance toward higher international competitions. This commanding start generates optimism among supporters and analysts regarding the team’s potential to achieve further success in the tournament.

  • Belize Bartenders Make Debut at World Cocktail Championship in Colombia

    Belize Bartenders Make Debut at World Cocktail Championship in Colombia

    In a landmark moment for the nation’s hospitality industry, Belize marked its inaugural participation in the prestigious World Cocktail Championship held from November 23-27 in Cartagena, Colombia. The Belize Bartenders Association (BBA) represented the Central American nation among 65 competing countries at the 72nd edition of this globally recognized mixology event.

    The Belizean team competed specifically in the long drink category, with BBA President Ricael Moran serving in the dual capacity of certified tasting and technical judge. Vice President Elvis Patt provided support to competitor Joseph Pate from San Pedro throughout the intensive five-day competition that featured trade exhibitions, educational talks, product tastings, and multiple competitive challenges.

    Although the team did not advance beyond the initial rounds, Belize achieved a respectable seventh-place finish in their category. The competition structure required top contenders to progress through semifinals involving market challenges, sensory tests, and a rigorous written examination comprising 100 questions to be completed within 30 minutes.

    President Moran emphasized the historic significance of their participation, noting that the exposure to international standards provides Belizean bartenders with globally recognized certifications through the International Bartenders Association (IBA). This accreditation opens professional opportunities across 65 member countries worldwide.

    The association has demonstrated growing competitive prowess, recently achieving top placements in other international events including a female bartending competition in Cuba and tenth position at the Pan American Cocktail Championships in Chile. Looking ahead, the BBA aims to secure funding for upcoming competitions including the Taiwan Golden Cup in December and is preparing for next year’s World Championship in Macau. Additionally, the association is exploring partnerships with local resorts to potentially host the 2026 Pan American Cocktail Championships.