The Montego Bay Sports Complex, a key venue for Jamaica Premier League matches, has suffered extensive damage due to Hurricane Melissa, leaving officials scrambling to address the aftermath. Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts expressed deep concern after inspecting the facility alongside FIFA representative Malaika Church. The playing surface was submerged under inches of mud following days of torrential rainfall, rendering it unusable for the foreseeable future. Ricketts remarked, ‘I never thought it was that bad,’ highlighting the severity of the situation. The Category 5 hurricane caused the Barnett and Pye rivers to overflow, flooding the complex and leaving water marks up to five feet high in some areas. Montego Bay United (MBU) Chairman Yoni Epstein estimated repair costs at approximately $300 million and stated that the team would be unable to host home games at the venue for several months. MBU has temporarily relocated its local players to Kingston, where they played a 2-2 draw against Portmore United in a friendly match. However, Epstein emphasized that the club remains committed to playing in Montego Bay, with plans to finalize alternative arrangements soon. Initial cleanup efforts have focused on removing thick clay soil from the running track, but restoring the pitch will require delicate handling to avoid damaging the turf and underground sprinkler system. The electrical system, including floodlights, has also been compromised, with some bulbs blown out of alignment. Ricketts noted that FIFA has recommended seeking a memorandum of understanding with the St James Municipal Council to expedite repairs, as neither JFF nor MBU owns the facility. A detailed inspection revealed structural damage, further complicating restoration efforts. The JFF is now working to fast-track repairs to ensure the venue can host matches as soon as possible.
分类: sports
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Chase Harding and coach take tennis to the inner city
Tennis player and philanthropist Chase Harding, alongside his coach Kashwayne Nelson, recently introduced the sport of tennis to children in the Payne Land community of Kingston, Jamaica. The initiative aimed to expose the youngsters to tennis, a sport not widely known in the area. Harding and Nelson not only taught the children the basics of the game but also provided refreshments and donated two dozen tennis rackets to support their development.
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Rideallday to change ownership before lucrative Mouttet Mile
In a dramatic development in the horse racing world, Solomon Sharpe, owner of the celebrated grey/roan colt Rideallday, has announced that the three-year-old American-bred horse will be sold to a new owner before the prestigious Mouttet Mile on December 6, 2025. Sharpe disclosed that while initial interest from potential buyers had waned, renewed enthusiasm has emerged, with offers now coming in at a premium. ‘This is my final run as Rideallday’s owner,’ Sharpe stated, emphasizing the heightened stakes. ‘Those who hesitated earlier are now eager to pay extra.’
Rideallday’s recent triumph in the Port Royal Sprint on November 16, 2025, has significantly boosted his market value. The Mouttet Mile, a Grade One event with a $300,000 purse, presents a golden opportunity for the new owner to compete against elite contenders. Under the expert guidance of jockey Ian ‘Dolly Baby’ Spence, Rideallday showcased his prowess by securing a thrilling victory in the Port Royal Sprint, overtaking rivals in a nail-biting finish. The win not only solidified his reputation but also guaranteed his participation in the upcoming Mouttet Mile.
Trainer Philip Feanny, while acknowledging the challenges Rideallday faced in the Port Royal Sprint, expressed confidence in the horse’s readiness for the Mouttet Mile. ‘The handicaps were against him, but this race served as a crucial sharpener,’ Feanny remarked. With seven wins from nine starts and over $6.7 million in Stakes earnings, Rideallday’s pedigree and performance have cemented his status as a top-tier competitor. As the racing community eagerly anticipates the Mouttet Mile, all eyes will be on Rideallday and his new owner to see if they can seize the moment and claim victory.
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TTPFL leaders Prisons stay perfect, Sando hit Rangers for six
Prisons FC solidified their position as the team to beat in the 2025/26 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) with a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Eagles at the Ato Boldon Stadium on November 19. The win extended their flawless start to the season, marking their fourth consecutive triumph. A sixth-minute goal from centre back Weslie John proved decisive, keeping Prisons three points clear at the top of the 12-team table. Meanwhile, FC Eagles’ struggles continued as they dropped to the bottom of the standings. In the second match of the Ato Boldon double-header, Club Sando surged to second place with a commanding 6-0 victory over Terminix La Horquetta Rangers. Midfielder Luke Phillips opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by Tarik Lee’s hat-trick in the second half, which included a stunning own goal by Rangers’ Abdul Lezama. The La Horquetta Recreation Grounds witnessed two high-scoring encounters, with 1976 FC Phoenix edging San Juan Jabloteh 3-2 and AC Port of Spain drawing 3-3 with Miscellaneous Police FC in a dramatic clash. Police FC took an early lead through Kadeem Hutchinson, but AC Port of Spain’s Shackiel Henry stole the show with a first-half hat-trick. Despite Henry’s heroics, Police FC fought back, with Kwesi Allen scoring twice, including a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time. The weekend’s action also saw 1976 FC Phoenix climb to tenth place after a thrilling 3-2 win over Jabloteh, while two matches were postponed due to unplayable conditions. The TTPFL resumes this weekend with matches scheduled from November 21-23.
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Signal Hill drub Trinity East 9-1, keep SSFL title hopes alive
Signal Hill Secondary School delivered a commanding performance on November 20, thrashing Trinity East 9-1 in their penultimate rescheduled match of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division. The victory, secured at their home grounds in Tobago, keeps their premiership title aspirations firmly alive. Immaual Wright, Kyle James, and Jedidiah Marcelle each scored twice, showcasing Signal Hill’s offensive prowess and tactical superiority. The match began with Wright assisting Morgan for the opening goal in the ninth minute, followed by Nickel Williams’ unexpected long-range strike two minutes later. James added a third in the 16th minute, and Wright capitalized on a defensive error in the 32nd to make it 4-0. Despite Trinity East’s goalkeeper Ishmael Wadi making several saves, Signal Hill continued to dominate, with Wright and James extending the lead to 6-0 by halftime. The second half saw Wright convert a penalty in the 58th minute, while Trinity East managed a consolation goal in the 71st. Marcelle sealed the emphatic victory with two late goals, bringing the final score to 9-1. Signal Hill now sits fifth in the standings with 28 points and two matches remaining. Their title hopes hinge on a pending disciplinary committee ruling regarding their November 17 fixture against St Augustine, which could potentially propel them to third place. A win in their final match against Malick on November 24 could set up a thrilling title decider against league leaders Naparima College.
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Red Force hoping for clear skies vs Scorpions
The CG United Super50 Cup has kicked off with a mix of weather disruptions and thrilling cricket action. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are eagerly awaiting clear skies for their upcoming match against Jamaica Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on November 21. Their initial game against Barbados Royals at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine was abandoned due to relentless rain, resulting in both teams sharing two points each. The match, delayed by over five hours due to a wet outfield, was reduced to a 20-over contest. Barbados openers Kyle Mayers and Leniko Boucher managed an unbeaten 48-run partnership before the rain returned, halting play indefinitely. Similarly, the clash between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Jamaica Scorpions at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain ended in a no-result after Guyana posted 287/7 in 47.1 overs. In contrast, Windward Islands Volcanoes secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Tarouba, propelling them to the top of the table. Leewards set a formidable target of 324, powered by Kofi James’ century and half-centuries from Mikyle Louis and Carlon Bowen-Tuckett. Windwards’ chase was anchored by Darron Nedd’s 94 and Dillon Douglas’ 61, culminating in a thrilling win with 325/8 in 43.5 overs. As the tournament progresses, Red Force hopes for better weather to keep their title aspirations alive, while Windwards aim to continue their winning streak against Guyana Harpy Eagles.
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New TT hockey board executive appointed
The Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board (TTHB) has ushered in a new leadership era following its 28th annual council meeting held at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua on November 17, 2025. The elections marked a significant transition as the board appointed its executive for the 2025–2027 term. Cindy Martin-Faustin of Paragon Hockey Club was unanimously elected as president, leaving her previous role as an elected member vacant. This position was subsequently filled by Natakii Bua, who was also elected unopposed. The election saw five key positions contested, including president, second vice-president, third vice-president, honorary treasurer, and assistant secretary. Rob Wyatt of Prosport secured the second vice-president role without opposition, while Akil Nancoo of Notre Dame Hockey Club triumphed in the only contested race for third vice-president. Riger Gomes of QPCC and Teresa Lezama of Malvern Sports Club were elected unopposed as honorary treasurer and assistant secretary, respectively. The meeting, which commenced at 6:54 p.m., also addressed the transition of several officer positions whose terms concluded in 2025. The newly elected executive will serve until 2027, with some roles continuing from their 2024–2026 terms. The TTHB’s leadership now includes Cindy Martin-Faustin as president, Garth Baptiste as first vice-president, Rob Wyatt as second vice-president, Akil Nancoo as third vice-president, Riger Gomes as honorary treasurer, Anthony Marcano as assistant treasurer, Reyah Richardson as honorary secretary, Teresa Lezama as assistant secretary, Ayanna McClean as an elected member, and Natakii Bua as an elected member.
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Damien Adams storms into Pan-Am MMA semi-final
Trinidad and Tobago (TT) athletes have made significant strides at the 2025 International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Pan-Americana Championship in Monterrey, Mexico. Damien Adams secured a swift victory in the men’s featherweight (65.8 kg) category, defeating El Salvador’s Gabriel Barrera via submission with 47 seconds remaining in the first round. Adams’ dominant performance earned him a spot in the semi-finals, scheduled for November 21. Joining him is Joshua James, who will compete in the men’s super lightweight (74.8 kg) semi-final against Mexico’s Luis Angel Rodriguez Dominguez. Meanwhile, Michael Serrette has already advanced to the super heavyweight final, awaiting the winner of an all-Mexico semi-final clash. The TT delegation, led by national coach Keron Bourne and TTMMAF president Jason Fraser, continues to showcase the country’s growing prowess in mixed martial arts. This year marks TT’s sixth consecutive appearance at the championship, a testament to their dedication despite financial challenges. Fraser emphasized the need for private-sector support to sustain youth development programs, urging corporations to invest in athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. The championship, featuring 17 nations, is part of IMMAF’s global series of tournaments, highlighting the sport’s expanding reach and impact.
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Rene Simoes seeks third Reggae Boyz stint
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rene Simoes, the Brazilian coach who famously guided Jamaica to their historic FIFA World Cup qualification in 1998, has expressed interest in taking charge of the Reggae Boyz once again. This time, he aims to lead the team through the Intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 2026. Sources close to Observer Online reveal that Simoes, now 72, has garnered support from several members of the iconic 1998 squad and has formally communicated his intentions to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
The coaching vacancy emerged following the abrupt resignation of Englishman Steve McClaren on Tuesday. McClaren stepped down after Jamaica’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Curacao, which left them second in their group with 11 points, narrowly missing an automatic qualifying spot for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Jamaica’s next challenge will be against New Caledonia in March 2026, with a potential follow-up match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the winner of which will secure a World Cup berth.
Simoes’ legacy with Jamaica is marked by his historic achievement in 1998, when he led the Reggae Boyz to their first and only World Cup appearance. The team secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Japan in their final group-stage match, despite earlier losses to Croatia and Argentina. However, his second stint with the national team in 2008 was less successful, culminating in his dismissal after a 2-0 defeat to Honduras.
In the interim, the JFF is expected to appoint a temporary coach by Friday, with Rudolph Speid, the coach of Premier League champions Cavalier and chairman of the Technical Committee, reportedly being a top contender. Speid has played a pivotal role in recent coaching decisions, including the dismissal of Theodore Whitmore and the appointments of Heimir Hallgrimsson and McClaren.
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Windies coach Daren Sammy: We never wrote off Roach
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has emphasized that veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach was never excluded from the team’s long-term plans, despite earlier suggestions of a transition to younger players. Roach, 37, has been recalled to the 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled from December 1 to 21. His inclusion comes as a result of injuries to key bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who are sidelined for the remainder of the year. Roach, who made his Test debut in 2008, boasts an impressive record of 284 wickets in 85 Tests, placing him fifth among West Indies’ all-time leading wicket-takers in the format. Sammy highlighted Roach’s experience and leadership as crucial assets for the team, particularly in New Zealand’s challenging conditions. The squad also features uncapped Jamaican pacer Ojay Shields, whose raw pace adds variety to the attack. Despite earlier comments from Cricket West Indies director Miles Bascombe about planning for future World Test Championships, Sammy clarified that Roach remained a viable option. The West Indies are currently struggling in the white-ball segment of their New Zealand tour, having lost the T20 series 3-1 and trailing 2-0 in the ODI series. Sammy expressed optimism about the Test series, citing the team’s preparation and the return of middle-order batsman Kavem Hodge, who has previously excelled in similar conditions. The squad will play a warm-up match in Christchurch before the first Test begins on December 1.
