分类： sports

Kevin “Nash” Molino, the talismanic captain of Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team, has declared that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on November 18 will mark his final appearance in national colors. The 35-year-old striker made the emotional announcement during a post-match interview with the TT Football Association (TTFA) on November 14, following the team’s elimination from World Cup contention after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica. Despite scoring a late equalizer in that match, Molino acknowledged that the team’s World Cup dreams had been dashed. Molino, who initially retired from international football in September 2023, was recalled to the squad a year later and has since been a key figure in the team’s campaign. He described his decision to step away as deeply personal, citing years of immense pressure and physical strain. Molino emphasized his pride in representing Trinidad and Tobago and expressed optimism for the team’s future under head coach Dwight Yorke. He urged young players to maintain the right mindset and attitude, believing the team has the potential to become a formidable force. Molino also highlighted the positive changes within the TTFA, including improved professionalism and fan engagement, which have revitalized interest in the national team. As he prepares for his final match, Molino remains focused on the collective success of the team, rejecting any notion of personal failure and instead framing his journey as a valuable learning experience for the next generation.

Signal Hill Secondary School is on the brink of making history in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division. With four matches remaining, the Tobago-based team is uniquely positioned to challenge for the title, currently sitting fifth with 25 points from 11 games. Their fate is entirely in their hands: if they win their next three matches against St Augustine, Trinity College East, and Malick, they will level with current leaders Naparima College at 34 points. This would set up a high-stakes final showdown between the two teams on November 27, effectively making it a winner-takes-all decider. Signal Hill’s strong goal difference further bolsters their chances in case of a tiebreaker.

This is Signal Hill’s second year in the SSFL, and their journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Several of their matches were postponed earlier in the season due to logistical challenges, including unavailable flights and limited vessel seats between Tobago and Trinidad. However, this delay has now placed them in a favorable position to mount a late title charge.

Head coach Downie Marcelle remains cautious, emphasizing a game-by-game approach. ‘We are taking it one game at a time and not getting carried away,’ he said. Marcelle highlighted the importance of managing player fatigue and maintaining focus, especially with a packed schedule ahead. ‘We have to stay perfect or near perfect to win the league,’ he added.

Signal Hill’s recent form has been impressive, with an unbeaten run in their last seven matches. Marcelle attributes this improvement to their ability to capitalize on early chances, a weakness they addressed after struggling with finishing earlier in the season. The team’s continuity, with only three players lost from last year’s squad, has also played a crucial role in their success.

Meanwhile, other title contenders like St Benedict’s and Presentation College San Fernando remain mathematically in the race but are dependent on Signal Hill and Naparima dropping points. As the SSFL enters its final stretch, all eyes are on Signal Hill, whose performance in the coming weeks could culminate in their first-ever league championship.

Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team faced a heartbreaking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on November 13. Despite dominating the game, TT fell short of the crucial win needed to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Coach Dwight Yorke defended his tactical decisions, asserting that his game plan worked ‘incredibly,’ even though the team failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Yorke highlighted Jamaica’s defensive approach, which deviated from their usual style, as a key factor in the match’s outcome. The absence of regular captain Kevin Molino from the starting lineup raised eyebrows, though his late equalizer briefly reignited hope. Yorke’s strategy of deploying a physical midfield trio and inverting wingers to create attacking options showed promise but ultimately couldn’t overcome TT’s persistent goal-scoring struggles. With a goal-per-game ratio in the final round, Yorke acknowledged the need for a reliable striker, backing Levi Garcia as the best current option despite his limited output. The draw marked another chapter in TT’s quest for World Cup qualification, leaving fans and critics alike questioning what might have been.

The West Indies cricket team is set to face New Zealand in the first of a three-match ODI series at Hagley Oval on November 15, starting at 9 pm TT time. This encounter follows a disappointing 3-1 loss in the T20 series against the Black Caps. The Caribbean squad is eager to turn their fortunes around in the 50-over format, despite a recent 2-1 ODI series defeat to Bangladesh in late October. This series marks the penultimate engagement for the West Indies in the 2025 season, with a three-match Test series against New Zealand scheduled for December to conclude their multi-format tour. The team has bolstered their lineup with the return of opener John Campbell after a six-year hiatus, along with the inclusion of fast bowlers Johann Layne and Shamar Springer, both making their ODI debuts. All-rounder Matthew Forde also rejoins the squad following a shoulder injury sustained during the T20 series. The Windies last tasted ODI success in August with a 2-1 victory over Pakistan in the Caribbean, following a 3-0 loss to England in May. A series win against New Zealand would mean the West Indies have secured two out of their four ODI series this year. The squad, led by captain Shai Hope, includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, all aiming to make a significant impact in the upcoming matches.

The West Indies Under-19 men’s cricket team is set to intensify their preparations for the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup with a seven-match Youth One-Day International (ODI) series against England’s Under-19 squad. The series will take place from November 16 to December 1 at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. This encounter marks a pivotal step in the young Windies’ journey as they aim to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the global tournament. The 16-member squad features two standout Trinidadian players, Aadian Racha and Brendan Boodoo, the latter having recently clinched the TT Cricket Board’s Best Youth Player of the Year award. The team also welcomes back DeShawn James from injury, alongside newcomers Tanez Francis and Kunal Tilokani, who earned their spots following stellar performances in the regional Under-17 tournament. While Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge, and Pajay Nelson will miss this series, they remain part of a broader player pool from which the final World Cup squad will be selected. Additionally, the talented duo of batsman Jewel Andrew and leg-spinner Micah McKenzie, both selected for the Leewards Islands Hurricanes in the upcoming Regional Super50 tournament, are expected to bolster the Windies’ future prospects. Coach Rohan Nurse highlighted the team’s resilience during their recent 4-3 series victory over Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of maintaining intensity in batting, bowling, and fielding. He stressed the need for players to convert starts into substantial scores and to clearly define their roles within the team. The series against England promises to be a critical test for the young Windies as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.