Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) champions Defence Force are set to face Dominican Republic’s Cibao FC in a high-stakes third-place playoff of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup. The winner of this two-legged tie will secure a coveted spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, the region’s premier club competition. The first leg will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on November 25, with the second leg scheduled for December 2 in the Dominican Republic. The victorious team will join this year’s Caribbean Cup finalists, Mount Pleasant Football Academy and Universidad O&M FC, in the Champions Cup. Defence Force’s journey to the playoff was marked by a crucial 2-0 victory over Cibao on October 1, ensuring their progression to the semifinals. However, Mount Pleasant eliminated them with a 5-2 aggregate win, while Universidad O&M edged past Cibao 2-1 in their semifinal clash. Cibao, last season’s Caribbean Cup runner-up, now aims to redeem themselves against the TTPFL holders in this decisive playoff.
分类： sports
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Chapman’s Power and Santner’s Poise Help NZ Level Series
In a high-octane encounter at Eden Park, New Zealand secured a narrow three-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20I on Thursday, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. Mark Chapman emerged as the hero for the home side, smashing a blistering 78 off just 28 deliveries, propelling New Zealand to a formidable total of 207 for five in their 20 overs. His explosive innings, studded with seven sixes and six fours, earned him the Player-of-the-Match accolade. The West Indies, despite a shaky start, staged a remarkable comeback led by Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd, who combined for a 62-run partnership in just four overs. However, their valiant efforts fell short as they were restricted to 204 for eight. Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi were instrumental with the ball, claiming three wickets each to stifle the visitors’ chase. The series now moves to Nelson for the third T20I on Saturday, promising more thrilling cricketing action.
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Three Belizean Athletes in the U.S. Awarded Scholarships
Belize is making strides toward its Olympic debut, with ambitions to qualify for the Games by 2032. The Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association is supporting this vision by funding the training of six elite athletes, three of whom are based in the United States and have secured Division One university scholarships. These athletes shared their aspirations and the pivotal moments in their careers. Brandon Adolphus, a track and field athlete, highlighted his contribution to winning three conference titles at the Division One level and his focus on qualifying for the PanAm Games and improving his Olympic prospects. Davia Richardson, a swimmer, emphasized her goal of winning medals at future championships and how the scholarship will aid her in attending meets and enhancing her training. Brooklyn Lyttle, another track and field athlete, recounted her peak performance at the New Balance Nationals and her aim to consistently place in the top three at future events. These athletes represent Belize’s growing presence on the international sports stage and its commitment to achieving Olympic success.
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Calvin Ayre Foundation Invests EC$84,132 as Platinum Sponsor of National Swim Team for OECS Championships
The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering youth and sports development by providing a substantial EC$84,132 Platinum sponsorship to the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF). This funding is earmarked for the 33rd OECS Swimming Championships, set to take place from November 7th to 9th, 2025, in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The regional event will showcase young athletes from across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), promoting both elite athletic performance and regional solidarity. The sponsorship covers round-trip airfare and accommodation for Antigua and Barbuda’s 39-member delegation, ensuring the team is fully prepared to defend its championship title. Jamilla Kirwan, Manager of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through sports. Edith Clashing, President of the ABSF, expressed profound gratitude, highlighting that this marks the first time a private sponsor has offered such significant support. The delegation departed Antigua and Barbuda on November 6th, 2025, with high hopes for the competition.
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Saint Lucia Eye Success in Eastern Caribbean Volleyball
A determined Saint Lucia volleyball team is set to compete in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Men’s Championship, scheduled for November 12–17 at the YMCA in St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda. After clinching the title in 2021 but missing the playoffs in 2023, Saint Lucia is eager to reclaim its position at the top. This year’s tournament will feature six teams, including host nation Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Anguilla, and defending champions St Vincent & the Grenadines. The Saint Lucia squad, comprising 10 players, includes a mix of seasoned athletes and promising talents. Notably, Peter Emmanuel, an 18-year-old middle blocker, and setter Delano Baptiste, both returning from the 2023 campaign, are expected to play pivotal roles. Captain Daniel Mayers-James, who was named MVP in this year’s inter-school competition, will lead the team. The tournament format includes a single round-robin stage followed by playoffs, with Saint Lucia opening against St Vincent & the Grenadines. The champions will not only receive gold medals and a prestigious trophy but also secure a spot in the NORCECA 2026 Pan American Cup. ECVA president Glenn Quinlan emphasized the championship’s role in bridging junior and senior national teams and elevating regional competitiveness. Teams will compete using the elite Mikasa V200W ball, ensuring high-quality play.
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West Indies fall 3 runs short despite fireworks from Powell, Shepherd
In a heart-stopping encounter on Thursday, November 6, New Zealand narrowly defeated the West Indies by just 3 runs in Auckland, leveling the five-match T20 international series at 1-1. The match, filled with dramatic twists, showcased the resilience of both teams but ultimately saw the Black Caps emerge victorious.
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Caymanas Park returns to action
The anticipated return of live races at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 15, marks a significant milestone for Jamaica’s horse racing industry, which has managed to evade the worst impacts of Hurricane Melissa. While the storm inflicted considerable damage on the infrastructure of two major stud farms and the stable area, the swift resumption of commercial operations is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing repair and rebuilding efforts. This resilience is emblematic of the industry’s ability to bounce back from adversity, a trait that has been tested repeatedly over the past five decades.
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ISSA to consult stakeholders on restart of school football season post hurricane
The Inter Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) is engaging in extensive consultations with key stakeholders to determine the future of the high school football season, which has been disrupted by Hurricane Melissa. ISSA President Keith Wellington emphasized the importance of collective decision-making, involving schools, sponsors, media partners, and government bodies, to ensure a unified approach.
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Nunes’ stable rises above hurricane woes, focusing on gratitude, resilience in the face of adversity
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc on Jamaica’s south-west coast on October 28, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the affected was Anthony Nunes, a prominent horse trainer, whose stable at Caymanas Park suffered significant damage. Six of his horses lost their roofs, and parts of the stable remained without electricity. Despite these challenges, Nunes chose to focus on gratitude rather than complaint, acknowledging the far greater losses endured by others on the island. Miraculously, all 74 of his horses survived with only minor injuries, and his staff emerged unharmed. Nunes praised his team for their quick action in evacuating the horses as the roofs began to lift during the storm. While the recovery process is ongoing, Nunes remains optimistic about resuming racing by November 15, though the six horses affected by the roof loss may not be ready. The hurricane disrupted his training program, causing weight loss in the horses due to reduced feed and lack of electricity. However, Nunes is confident in their resilience and ability to recover. He also made the decision to withhold Lasix, a diuretic, to prioritize the horses’ hydration and health during the crisis. Nunes’ perspective highlights the importance of gratitude and resilience in the face of adversity.
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Signal Hill earn 1-0 win over St Mary’s in SSFL
Signal Hill Secondary made a significant leap in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division standings with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Mary’s College on November 6. The match, held at Signal Hill grounds in Tobago, saw J’meke Watkins deliver the decisive goal in the second half, ensuring a triumphant result for the home team. This win propelled Signal Hill from tenth to seventh place in the standings, overtaking St Mary’s, Queen’s Royal College, and Arima North Secondary. All three teams are now tied with 19 points, but Signal Hill holds a superior goal difference. Despite having six matches postponed earlier in the season, Signal Hill remains optimistic about their chances of breaking into the top three if they secure victories in their remaining games. Meanwhile, St Mary’s College slipped to tenth place with 18 points, leaving them with only one match to salvage their season. The current league leaders include St Benedict’s College (33 points), followed closely by Naparima College and Presentation College San Fernando, both with 31 points. Defending champions Fatima College trail in fourth place with 29 points. As the season nears its conclusion, the competition intensifies, with several teams vying for the top spots in this highly contested league.