Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne is set to make his international debut for Trinidad and Tobago as the team prepares for a pivotal FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on October 10. The match, scheduled for 6 PM at the Bermuda National Stadium in Devonshire, marks a significant moment for Payne, who has chosen to represent the country of his father’s birth.
分类： sports
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Yorke: Time for Trinidad and Tobago to deliver
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team, led by coach Dwight Yorke, is gearing up for a crucial match against Bermuda in the final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US on the horizon, Yorke is confident his squad is ready to elevate their game and secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. Currently, TT sits third in Group B with one point, trailing Jamaica (six points) and Curacao (four points). The team is eager to claim their first victory and goals in the final round when they face Bermuda on October 10 at the Bermuda National Stadium. Yorke, who assumed the coaching role in November 2024, emphasized the intense competition within the squad and expressed optimism about their progress. ‘This is my squad now,’ he stated, highlighting the team’s growing confidence and cohesion. The 26-man roster includes standout players like captain Kevin Molino, goalkeeper Denzil Smith, and forward Levi Garcia, alongside new additions such as Slovakia-based midfielder Molik Jesse Khan and Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne. Yorke stressed the importance of securing three points against Bermuda, acknowledging the challenges ahead but remaining focused on the immediate task. The team arrived in Bermuda on October 8 after an intense training camp in Miami, where Yorke and his staff worked diligently to prepare the squad for the upcoming matches. With the group stage’s top three teams automatically qualifying for the World Cup, TT is determined to make their mark and advance to the next stage of the competition.
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India batters pummel West Indies on first day of second Test
India’s young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a masterclass on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies, propelling his team to a commanding position at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The left-handed opener remained unbeaten on 173 off 253 balls, guiding India to a formidable total of 318 for two by stumps on October 10. Jaiswal’s innings, studded with 22 boundaries, has put India in a dominant position as they aim to secure the series victory. The West Indies bowlers struggled to make an impact, with only Jomel Warrican managing to claim two wickets. The visitors now face a daunting task to level the series after suffering a heavy defeat in the first Test. Jaiswal’s opening partner, KL Rahul, contributed 38 before being stumped off Warrican’s bowling. Sai Sudharsan, who joined Jaiswal at the crease, played a crucial knock of 87, forming a 193-run partnership for the second wicket. Despite falling short of a century, Sudharsan’s innings further solidified India’s stronghold. Captain Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20, ensuring no further loss of wickets before the close of play. The West Indies, who were outplayed in the first Test, will need a remarkable turnaround to challenge India’s dominance in this match.
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Beach soccer makes big return in Barbados
After a prolonged hiatus, beach soccer made a spectacular comeback in Barbados with the launch of the inaugural Barbados Beach Soccer Championship last Sunday. Organized by the Sports Development Unit under the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, the tournament commenced at Brighton Beach and is set to continue until November 16. The championship will feature 28 teams competing across three iconic beaches—Brighton, Brandons, and Browne’s—with over $20,000 in prizes up for grabs, including a grand $10,000 cash reward for the champions. The opening day delivered an electrifying start, with six action-packed matches showcasing skill, intensity, and breathtaking goals. Among the standout performances, the Sundown Ballers dominated Trident Spurs with a commanding 9-2 victory, thanks to braces from Eric Joseph and Duan Best, along with contributions from Clairmonte Callender and Jayden Mayers. The Beach Blitzers also impressed, overpowering Island Fusion 7-3, with Rashad Smith scoring four goals. Other notable matches included the Sunset Chasers’ 6-2 triumph over Soca Stormers, Full Volley’s 6-1 rout of Crop Over Kings, and a nail-biting penalty shootout victory by the Tiki Tacklers over Bajan Heat. The championship promises to be a thrilling showcase of beach soccer talent and passion.
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CWI restarts coaching courses in Leeward Islands and SVG
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has reignited its commitment to nurturing a robust pool of high-quality cricket coaches across the Caribbean by launching the second round of its Foundation Level and Refreshers Coaching Courses. This initiative, which began in Antigua and Barbuda on October 2 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, is strategically timed to align with the anticipated restart of primary schools and community-based grassroots cricket programs. The sessions are scheduled to continue in Montserrat, the British and US Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, Anguilla, and conclude in St Vincent on October 30.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, ‘The continuation of these courses underscores CWI’s dedication to enhancing coaching talent and fortifying cricketing infrastructure throughout the region. By investing in coaching education at this foundational stage, we are laying the groundwork for the sustainable growth and future success of cricket in the Caribbean.’
Bascombe further highlighted the broader impact of this effort, noting that well-trained coaches are essential for flagship programs like the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Five for Fun Cricket and the Girls Under-16/19 Territorial Cricket Hub initiatives. These programs are pivotal in inspiring the next generation of cricketers and fostering mass participation in the sport.
The coaching courses are led by Brendon Ramlal and Keshava Ramphal, both Level 3 certified coaches with extensive experience in age-group cricket development and education systems in Trinidad and Tobago. Their expertise spans critical areas such as child protection, analytics, tactical awareness, physical fitness, and effective communication.
In a move to prioritize the safety and well-being of young players, all participants are required to complete the UNICEF Child Protection Course and attend a virtual Cricket Safeguarding and Child Protection Workshop before commencing the program. These measures ensure that coaches are equipped to create a secure and supportive environment for player development.
Previously, CWI successfully conducted these courses in Dominica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Grenada (including Carriacou), Jamaica, and Barbados, engaging over 150 participants. These efforts are designed to empower current and aspiring coaches with the skills necessary to cultivate young talent and drive the growth of cricket at the grassroots level.
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SECOND LOSS
The Solomon Islands national football team concluded their FIFA Series 2026 campaign with a second consecutive defeat, falling 4-2 to Saint Kitts and Nevis in an international friendly match at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 30, 2026.
The Caribbean squad secured victory through clinical finishing despite the Melanesian side showing marked improvement from their previous 10-2 defeat against Bulgaria. The encounter between similarly-ranked opponents—Solomon Islands at 152nd and Saint Kitts and Nevis at 154th in FIFA rankings—produced an entertaining contest following a 30-minute delay to kickoff.
Both teams demonstrated offensive capability throughout the match, with Solomon Islands managing to score in both tournament appearances. However, defensive vulnerabilities ultimately cost the Pacific nation against their Caribbean counterparts. The FIFA Series initiative, designed by football’s global governing body, provides emerging football nations with increased international exposure and competitive opportunities across confederations.
The result concludes Solomon Islands’ participation in the inaugural tournament series, with attention now turning to future international fixtures and continued development on the world stage. The match was witnessed by spectators at Indonesia’s iconic sporting venue, with photographic coverage provided by Aldhi Chandra of Okezone.
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Column: Binnen handbereik!
Suriname’s national football team, Natio, is on the brink of two pivotal matches in the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers. Surprisingly leading the group with 4 points from 2 matches, Natio has become the team to beat, bringing immense pressure. Previous opponents underestimated Suriname, labeling them as an easy adversary, but the tables have turned. Now, every effort will be made to thwart Natio’s advance to the coveted final round. The upcoming matches will be decisive for both the group leader and regional football powers in the race for the World Cup ticket. Securing at least 4 points in this window would bring the World Cup within reach, but the pressure to perform is undoubtedly immense for Natio.
As athletes approach critical moments, the pressure to perform is normal, but its intensity varies with the stakes. The key is to manage this pressure effectively to achieve the desired performance. If players cannot handle the pressure appropriately, it may lead to disappointing results. Natio’s management must focus on the mental well-being of the players to ensure they are not overwhelmed but can cope optimally. Although they are professionals, the prospect of playing for a ticket to the world’s most significant football event is new to them, and emotions could play a significant role. The growing belief among fans could also unsettle the players.
Natio is currently stronger than ever. Not only has the team added more professionals since the start of this journey, but the staff has also seen a remarkable quality boost with the arrival of Henk Fraser. Progress has been evident since the Gold Cup for those who look beyond just the results. Even players who were initially skeptical about joining the project now see their chance to contribute and reap the rewards. The players are undoubtedly eager to complete the task and add a World Cup participation to their achievements.
Opponents’ fear of Natio is evident from their behavior and statements on and off the field. Natio was unfairly treated in El Salvador, and Guatemalan representatives made derogatory remarks on social media after a scouting visit. Naive self-proclaimed presenters gave journalists from opposing teams a platform to reveal Natio’s team composition and key players. While many believe they are contributing in their own ways, caution is advised with such revelations made by individuals linked to the opponents. Natio’s staff should focus on their own strengths and deliver solid performances to secure the necessary results.
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2026 World Cup Qualification : D-Day, Haiti vs Nicaragua
Haiti’s senior national football team, the Grenadiers, is set to face Nicaragua in a pivotal 2026 World Cup Qualifying match on October 9, 2025, at the National Stadium in Managua. This encounter marks the third of six matches in the final qualifying phase for Haiti, as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. The game is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. (Haiti time) and is expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike. Historically, Haiti has dominated this fixture, with six wins out of nine previous meetings, scoring 15 goals and conceding nine. Their most recent victory over Nicaragua was a 1-0 triumph in the 2021 World Cup qualifiers. However, the Grenadiers face challenges ahead of the match, with key player Yassine Fortuné sidelined due to injury and Fabrice Picault absent for undisclosed reasons. Lambèse has been called up as a last-minute reinforcement to complete the 23-player squad. Haiti’s ambition is clear: to secure a victory in front of 17,000 spectators and reignite their dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Following this match, Haiti will face Honduras on October 13th in a return leg, after their first encounter ended in a goalless draw. The Grenadiers’ journey continues in November with matches against Curaçao and Costa Rica. Currently, Haiti sits third in Group C with two points from two matches, trailing Honduras and Costa Rica. Nicaragua, with just one point, is at the bottom of the group. This match is a critical opportunity for Haiti to climb the standings and strengthen their World Cup aspirations.
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Serena Williams to crown Fraser Pryce at ATHLOS event
In a momentous celebration of athletic excellence, retired Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will be honored at the ATHLOS event this Friday at Icahn Stadium in New York. The crowning ceremony will be conducted by tennis legend Serena Williams, marking a symbolic passing of the torch between two of the greatest athletes of all time. The announcement was made by Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams’ husband and founder of ATHLOS, during an interview on CBS Mornings, where he was joined by Fraser-Pryce. Ohanian emphasized the significance of the event, stating, ‘This is about celebrating greatness and reflecting on the future of track and field, modeled after the Formula One approach.’ Fraser-Pryce, who recently retired after 18 illustrious years in the sport, expressed her desire to continue elevating track and field through her voice and influence off the track. ATHLOS has also announced that Fraser-Pryce will receive a Tiffany crown, symbolizing her lifetime of speed, excellence, and legacy.
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Frome Tech and Maldon High qualify for daCosta Cup second round
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a thrilling series of matches on Wednesday, Frome Technical and Maldon High clinched their places in the round of 32 of the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition. Frome Technical staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Knockalva Technical 2-1 in a game shortened to 70 minutes due to heavy rains. Meanwhile, Maldon High ended a three-game winless streak with a dominant 5-0 victory over Green Pond High, securing their advancement from Zone A for the second consecutive year. Both teams join Cornwall College and Rusea’s High, who had already qualified earlier in the competition. The second round of the tournament is set to commence on Saturday, with 26 other teams having already secured their spots. Notable qualifiers include Cornwall College, Maldon High, Rusea’s High, Frome Technical, and several other high-performing schools. The competition continues to intensify as teams vie for the prestigious title.