Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to challenge for the Premier League title, contingent on Rodri regaining his peak form following his return from injury. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who missed a significant portion of last season due to knee surgery, has struggled with fitness issues this term. Despite losing three of their first nine league games, City have shown resilience, losing only once in their last 11 matches across all competitions, including a strong start in the Champions League and advancement to the League Cup quarter-finals. Rodri is expected to make his return when City face second-placed Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Guardiola stated, ‘I think he [Rodri] will be ready to help. I don’t know if he will be able to play from the beginning, but hopefully he can be with us.’ Erling Haaland is also fit despite a minor injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa. Guardiola remains optimistic about City’s prospects, noting, ‘I have the feeling Rodri can become his best, we’ll be a team that’s difficult to beat.’ City currently trail Bournemouth by two points, with the latter on an eight-game unbeaten streak. Guardiola praised Bournemouth’s cohesion and philosophy, highlighting their strategic player sales and consistent performance.
分类: sports
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Cricket executives say board in ‘excellent financial health’
The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) has been declared in “excellent financial health” by its third vice-president Avinash Suruj and general secretary Henry Chase. This announcement follows a recent independent audit presented at the board’s annual general meeting and elections on October 25. Despite facing significant challenges over the past two years, including allegations of fund mismanagement, the removal of a treasurer through a no-confidence vote, and an accounting executive being ordered to repay over $500,000, the TTCB remains financially stable as it embarks on a new four-year term. Suruj emphasized that the audit results, conducted by an independent auditor, were a significant positive development for the board. He also highlighted the organization’s commitment to professional management, asserting that it remains one of the most professionally managed cricket boards in the region. Moving forward, the TTCB plans to prioritize on-field performance and player development. Chase, who was re-elected unopposed as general secretary, echoed Suruj’s sentiments, noting that the independent audit provided a “clean bill of health” for the board. He also addressed past allegations of misconduct, stating that a detailed judicial review led by Justice Prakash Moosai had exonerated the TTCB. Chase, an attorney, pledged to use his legal expertise to strengthen governance and ensure the rule of law guides the board’s operations. Both leaders expressed their commitment to restoring public confidence and focusing on the development of players, clubs, and the local cricket landscape.
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UCI hosts junior developmental camp at Cycling Centre
The National Cycling Velodrome in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago, is currently the hub of a week-long junior development camp, organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) in collaboration with the UCI Cycling Centre. The camp, which commenced on October 27 and will conclude on November 8, is designed to nurture young road and track cyclists from across the Pan American region. Participants from countries such as Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago are attending the event. Guided by UCI coaching expert James Hey, the young athletes are undergoing rigorous training sessions aimed at enhancing their endurance and sprinting skills. In addition to practical training, the camp includes theoretical lessons and performance strategy workshops to bolster the cyclists’ technical abilities and competitive edge. This initiative underscores the commitment of the TTCF and UCI to fostering the next generation of cycling talent in the region.
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Trinidad and Tobago teams set for Carifta Water Polo Champs
Trinidad and Tobago (TT) will be well-represented at the 2025 Carifta Aquatics Water Polo Championships, with five age group teams set to compete in the prestigious event. Scheduled to take place from November 7 to 9 at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex in Florida, the tournament is being hosted by the Aquatic Sports Association of TT (ASATT) under a five-year agreement signed by Caribbean federations. Despite the event’s location in Florida, ASATT has taken on the majority of the organizational and financial responsibilities, estimated at approximately TT $350,000. ASATT President Shawn Pouchet expressed concerns about the financial burden, suggesting that future tournaments should involve shared costs among Caribbean nations to ensure sustainability. The competition will feature teams from Bahamas, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, and Curacao, alongside specially invited club teams from Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US. TT’s contingent includes an Under-14 coed team, as well as male and female teams in the Under-16 and Under-19 divisions. Notable captains include Giovanni Felician-Moses (Under-14), Alexis Avey (Under-16 girls), Liam Chin Lee (Under-16 boys), Mekelle Cedeno (Under-19 girls), and Jeremiah Henriques-Brown (Under-19 boys). Head coach Andrew Francis and delegation head Ryan Smith will lead the teams, which were selected in late September after rigorous screening. Pouchet remains optimistic about the teams’ preparation, emphasizing that the high level of competition will benefit TT’s players and contribute to their growth. The TT teams will depart for Florida on November 6 and return on November 10.
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St Benedict’s go two points clear atop SSFL standings
St Benedict’s College solidified their position at the top of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division standings with a commanding 2-0 victory over St Mary’s College on October 31. Goals from Jelani Roberts and Josiah Ochoa in the 70th and 90th minutes secured the win at the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin, extending their lead to two points. The La Romaine Lions now sit comfortably with 33 points as the competition for the 2025 league title intensifies. Meanwhile, St Anthony’s College emerged as this season’s wild card, stunning defending champions Fatima College with a 2-1 away victory. Kanye Glasgow’s brace, including a decisive 59th-minute goal, sealed the win for the Westmoorings Tigers, marking their second major upset in four days after defeating former leaders Naparima College earlier in the week. Despite their impressive form, St Anthony’s remains in fifth place. Fatima’s loss saw them drop to third, while Presentation College San Fernando surged to second with a dominant 9-0 win over Carapichaima East, fueled by Isaiah Jacob’s five-goal haul. Naparima College’s match against Signal Hill was postponed due to flight unavailability, leaving them in fourth. In other results, Trinity College Moka climbed to sixth after a thrilling 5-3 victory over Malick, while Arima North edged San Juan North 1-0 to claim seventh place. The league continues to deliver high-stakes drama as teams vie for supremacy in the remaining rounds.
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West Indies cricket giants land in SVG for Masters Clash
St Vincent and the Grenadines is buzzing with cricket enthusiasm as three iconic West Indies cricket legends—Courtney Walsh, Sir Curtly Ambrose, and Ridley Jacobs—arrived at Argyle International Airport on October 30. Their visit marks the lead-up to the much-anticipated West Indian Masters XI vs Rest of the World Masters XI T20 match, set to take place on November 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Arnos Vale Cricket Stadium. This historic event is a centerpiece of the nation’s Independence celebrations and underscores the country’s growing prominence in sports tourism.
On October 31, the cricket icons will attend a special Under-19 exhibition match at the Cumberland Playing Field at 1:00 p.m. This initiative aims to inspire young cricketers from schools across North Leeward by providing them with a rare opportunity to meet and interact with their heroes. The event highlights the importance of youth empowerment through sports and aims to motivate the next generation of Vincentian cricketers.
Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development, and Culture, expressed his excitement about the visit, stating, ‘We are honoured to welcome these iconic ambassadors of Caribbean cricket to St Vincent and the Grenadines. Their presence marks an exciting moment for cricket enthusiasts and a significant milestone for our sports tourism agenda. Events like these bring immense pride, economic benefits, and inspiration to our youth as we continue to elevate our nation on the global stage.’
Annette Mark, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the lasting impact of the legends’ visit. ‘Hosting such esteemed figures reinforces our commitment to establishing St Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier destination for sports and events tourism. Their interactions with our youth and communities will leave a legacy of inspiration and national pride. We encourage everyone to come out, show their support, and be part of this historic sporting moment.’
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SVG to host 2026 Americas Netball World Cup Qualifier
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been selected as the host nation for the 2026 Americas Netball World Cup Qualifier, following a decisive vote by the Americas Netball Region members on Wednesday. The prestigious tournament is set to take place from October 13 to 23, 2026, and will determine the two teams that will join Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls in representing the Americas Region at the Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, scheduled for August 25 to September 5, 2027. Natasha Baptiste, President of the SVG Netball Association, expressed immense pride in this accomplishment and extended heartfelt gratitude to all supporters of the successful bid. Baptiste highlighted the event as a significant opportunity for sports tourism and a chance for the Vincy Jewels to compete on home turf. A critical factor in securing the bid was the official commitment from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to transform the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex into an indoor facility, ensuring uninterrupted play regardless of weather conditions. Baptiste emphasized that this development would revolutionize the landscape for all indoor sports disciplines in the region. The SVG Netball Association is poised to begin planning and logistical preparations soon, as the nation gears up to host what is anticipated to be a historic milestone in Vincentian sports.



