分类： sports

In a climactic conclusion to the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season, Naparima College emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Signal Hill Secondary on November 27 at Lewis Street in San Fernando. The victory secured Naparima’s fifth championship title in the competition’s history, adding to their previous wins in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019.

The match began with both teams level on 34 points, separated only by goal differential in a tense three-way title race that also included St Benedict’s College. Naparima demonstrated immediate dominance, controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities from the opening whistle.

Riquelme Phillips broke the deadlock in the seventh minute with a clinical close-range finish after Signal Hill’s defense failed to clear a dangerous cross. The home side doubled their advantage in the 20th minute through defender Sebastian James, who converted a clever training-ground free-kick routine orchestrated by Jabari Rodriguez and Jayden Caprietta.

Signal Hill, coached by Downie Marcelle, struggled throughout the first half but emerged transformed after the interval. Their resurgence culminated in an 83rd-minute penalty converted by center back Raevion Marshall, setting up a nervy finale. The visitors came agonizingly close to equalizing when winger Immanual Wright struck a superb free kick against the crossbar in the second half.

Despite Signal Hill’s late pressure, Naparima’s defense held firm under the guidance of coach Angus Eve, securing the vital three points that delivered the championship. The victory lifted Naparima to 37 points, one point clear of St Benedict’s College, who secured second position with a 5-0 victory over Trinity College East but ultimately fell short of the title.

The final league standings saw Naparima claim top honors with 37 points from 15 matches, followed by St Benedict’s (36 points), Signal Hill (34 points), Presentation College San Fernando (34 points), and Fatima College (32 points) rounding out the top five positions.

The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season is set for a dramatic conclusion on November 27, with three teams in contention for the championship. Naparima College, Signal Hill Secondary, and St Benedict’s College are all in the race, with Naparima and Signal Hill tied at 34 points each. The decisive match will take place at Lewis Street in San Fernando, where Naparima and Signal Hill will face off in a winner-takes-all encounter. A draw could open the door for St Benedict’s, who need a victory in their simultaneous fixture against Trinity College East to claim the title. Signal Hill’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience, overcoming scheduling challenges and a late surge in form. Coach Downie Marcelle emphasized the significance of winning the title for Tobago, stating it would be a historic achievement for the school and the island. Naparima, seeking their fifth premier division title, are focused on maintaining their consistent performance. Both teams have shown remarkable form, with Naparima boasting a +33 goal difference and Signal Hill close behind at +32. The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides aiming to capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Scarborough Secondary and San Juan North will battle to avoid relegation. The SSFL season has been a testament to the competitive spirit of school football, with the final day set to deliver high-stakes drama.

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are set to face the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in a pivotal CG United Super50 Cup match on November 27 at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain. With the Red Force currently second in the standings with 22 points, this encounter is crucial for their chances of advancing to the final on November 29. A victory would secure their place in the title match, where they would compete for the coveted championship. The Red Force’s position is precarious, as leaders Barbados Pride (27 points) and third-placed Windward Islands Volcanoes (17 points) remain within striking distance. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes, sitting fourth with eight points, are desperate for their first win after two losses and two rain-affected matches. The tournament has been marred by persistent rain, with seven of the past 12 matches ending in no results and one decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. TT head coach Rayad Emrit expressed frustration over the weather disruptions, emphasizing the team’s readiness and the importance of securing a win. The Red Force have bolstered their squad with the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Amir Jangoo, who replaces the injured Kjorn Ottley. Jangoo, fresh from international duty with the West Indies, brings valuable experience to the team. Despite limited playtime in recent weeks, the Red Force remain optimistic, with Emrit praising the squad’s professionalism and mental preparedness. The Hurricanes, though resilient, face an uphill battle against a determined Red Force side. Elsewhere, Barbados Royals aim to maintain their top spot against Guyana Harpy Eagles, while Windward Islands Volcanoes seek a crucial win over Jamaica Scorpions.

The San Fernando City Month celebrations will reach their grand finale on November 30 with the Ian Atherly Cycling Meet, set to take place at Skinner Park. The event, which kicks off at 4 pm, will be held on the cycling track named in honor of the former San Fernando mayor and celebrated cyclist, Ian Atherly. This one-day, day-night meet will feature a mix of sprint and endurance races, with 49 events contested by clubs from across Trinidad and Tobago. Atherly, who won a bronze medal in the match sprint at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, emphasized that this juniors and open cycling meet is a fitting tribute to the sport’s rich history in southern Trinidad. He also revealed that he postponed the first anniversary of Ian Atherly Day (September 7) to commemorate it at this event. Since retiring from competitive cycling over two decades ago, Atherly has remained a passionate advocate for the sport’s development. The meet will include categories ranging from youth development (Under-7 to Under-11) to elite and masters, with races for both male and female cyclists. The evening will conclude with a 30-lap invitational race featuring participants from juniors to masters. Atherly acknowledged the support of personal friends who sponsored the event and highlighted that several races will honor San Fernando’s cycling legends, including Pyo Lyons and the late Ronnie Ragoonanan. Additionally, a vintage car display will be held in the car park, starting at 4 pm. Admission to the event is free, as Atherly aims to inspire the younger generation to embrace cycling. The meet marks the end of San Fernando City Month’s sports-focused celebrations, which also included the Premier Sports Club’s Football Tournament, Sando Run 5k, the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament, and the King of D Bois stickfighting event on November 28.

In a thrilling finale at the Larry Gomes Stadium on November 26, St Augustine Secondary ended a ten-year drought by clinching the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) boys’ East Zone intercol title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over San Juan North Secondary. The match, which seemed destined for a penalty shootout, took a decisive turn in the dying moments of stoppage time. San Juan defender Mathyyas Charles’ costly error near the penalty area allowed St Augustine’s star midfielder Giovanni Hospedales to capitalize. Hospedales, who had already scored earlier, skillfully maneuvered along the byline and netted the winning goal with a precise right-footed shot that ricocheted off the post and goalkeeper Elijah Lawrence before crossing the line. The victory sparked wild celebrations among the St Augustine players and coaching staff. Earlier in the match, San Juan had taken the lead through Jaheem Danclar in the 31st minute, but Hospedales equalized in the 47th minute. Despite being reduced to ten men after Michael Charles’ red card in the 73rd minute, St Augustine held firm, with goalkeeper Tyrese Henry making a crucial save moments after the winning goal. The triumph marked St Augustine’s first East Zone title since 2015, when veteran coach Michael Grayson led them to glory. Grayson, now an assistant coach, and head coach Tacuma Jones celebrated the hard-fought victory in a challenging season for the team. In the girls’ final, Five Rivers secured a 1-0 win over San Juan, with Hackeemar Goodridge’s 18th-minute strike proving decisive.

Darren Sammy, the former West Indies cricket captain, has sparked controversy with his recent comments dismissing critics of the regional cricket team. In a heated statement, Sammy remarked, ‘People who don’t know an iota of cricket are criticising us.’ While Sammy is known for his passion, his sweeping dismissal of public opinion has been labeled as not only misplaced but also deeply insulting. Critics argue that Sammy has overlooked a fundamental truth: West Indies cricket was built not just by legendary players but also by generations of devoted fans across the Caribbean. From farmers in St Vincent to schoolboys in Laventille, every supporter has a vested interest in the team’s success. The right to critique a team’s performance, especially during repeated failures, is not contingent on personal cricketing expertise. Representing the West Indies is about embodying pride, culture, and resilience. When the team consistently underperforms, it’s natural for fans, who contribute through viewership, merchandise, and unwavering support, to demand better. Critics are not attempting to coach the players but are highlighting issues like lack of hunger, weak leadership, and a growing disconnect between the team and its supporters. The West Indies cricket team has not only been losing matches but also the hearts of its fans. Instead of reflecting on these concerns, Sammy’s response appears defensive, shielding mediocrity rather than addressing the root problems. The call is clear: rather than silencing the fans, the team should engage with them, listen to their concerns, and work towards rebuilding what’s broken.

A dramatic eligibility dispute has erupted hours before the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division championship decider, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated title clash. Two mysterious letters, allegedly originating from St Benedict’s College acting principal Gregory Quan Kep, questioned the registration status of three Naparima College players through communications dated November 5 and November 26.

The correspondence, disseminated to media outlets during late-night and early-morning hours on November 26-27, raised concerns about player eligibility mere hours before Naparima’s crucial match against Signal Hill Secondary. In one document, queries were raised about a Naparima player who participated in the November 3 encounter against Benedict’s, while the other letter highlighted registration matters involving two additional Naparima squad members.

Multiple attempts to verify the letters’ authenticity proved unsuccessful, with Quan Kep remaining unresponsive to calls and WhatsApp messages. SSFL president Merere Gonzales and first vice-president were similarly unreachable. Adding to the mystery, Benedict’s manager Ravi Ramgoolam claimed no knowledge of the correspondence when contacted on November 27. SSFL assistant secretary of operations Gerald Elliot also stated he was unaware of any eligibility inquiries from the Benedict’s camp.

The controversy emerges amid a tense championship scenario where league leaders Naparima and second-placed Signal Hill (both at 34 points) face off at Lewis Street, San Fernando. The victor will claim the premier division title, while third-placed Benedict’s (33 points) maintains mathematical possibility of securing the trophy should they defeat Trinity College East and the top-two teams draw their decisive match.

This incident evokes memories of Benedict’s own eligibility controversy from the previous season, when the school was stripped of premier division honors after utilizing ineligible player Derrel “Zum Zum” Garcia in four matches. The infraction resulted in a devastating 12-point deduction, though Garcia still captured the 2024 Player of the Year award and guided his team to national intercol glory against eventual league champions Fatima College.

As of publication time, Naparima officials confirmed they had received no formal communication from the SSFL regarding player protests or eligibility investigations involving their squad members.