分类： sports

The Diego Martin Sporting Complex project has been temporarily halted as it undergoes a comprehensive review, according to Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts. Speaking during the Standing Finance Committee in Parliament on October 21, Watts revealed that no funding has been allocated for the complex in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, which has earmarked $290,652,400 for the ministry. The decision to pause funding was driven by the need for expert assessment to determine the next steps for the facility. When questioned by Diego Martin West MP Hans De Vignes about the previously allocated $5 million for refurbishment, Watts clarified that the project, like others such as Chatham, is under review, and no timeline for completion has been set. Meanwhile, the ministry continues to focus on other infrastructure projects, including upgrades to the Sevilla tennis courts and Dubisson Park in Ste Madeleine. At Sevilla, improvements include refurbishment of the tennis courts and upgrades to the air-conditioning system. In Ste Madeleine, ongoing work on the outfield and pavilion is part of broader plans for a clubhouse, tennis courts, swimming pool, car park, access road, and perimeter fencing. However, progress at Dubisson Park has been slower than expected, with the contractor exceeding the scheduled completion time. Watts emphasized that the ministry is working to resolve these delays. In Port of Spain, the Basilon Street Youth Facility remains closed due to security issues and incomplete work by the contractor, including the theft of computers. Watts stated that the ministry will not take possession of the facility until these issues are resolved. Additionally, Watts confirmed that there are no active projects planned for Tunapuna and Tacarigua, and completion works at the Eddie Hart Grounds are not on the agenda. On a positive note, Watts addressed the delayed payments to TT’s standout athletes from the 2025 World Athletics Championships, javelin gold medallist Keshorn Walcott and 400m silver medallist Jereem Richards, assuring that the process to disburse their rewards is underway.

In a pivotal showdown that could reshape the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Premiership, fourth-placed Presentation College San Fernando is set to challenge the undefeated league leaders, Naparima College, on October 22 at Lewis Street. The ‘Pres Lions,’ currently holding 21 points, trail Naparima by six and are determined to become the first team this season to defeat the dominant ‘Naps.’ A win for Presentation would not only halt Naparima’s nine-game winning streak but also reignite the title race, with defending champions Fatima College and 2024 Coca-Cola Intercol winners San Benedict’s College still in contention. However, coming off a 1-0 loss to St Anthony’s College, Presentation faces their toughest test yet and must deliver a flawless performance to challenge Naparima’s supremacy. Naparima, under the guidance of head coach Angus Eve, has been formidable, conceding just two goals in nine matches, thanks to their solid defense and goalkeeper Mikhail Clement. A victory for Naparima would extend their lead at the top of the 16-team standings, creating a significant gap from their closest rivals. Meanwhile, Fatima College, second in the standings with 22 points, aims to recover from a surprising 3-2 defeat to Signal Hill Secondary as they host eighth-placed Arima North. Third-placed St Benedict’s College, tied with Presentation on 21 points, is favored to secure three points against winless Carapichaima East. Other matches include St Anthony’s College facing San Juan North, Queen’s Royal College hosting Malick, and Trinity Moka welcoming St Augustine. Two fixtures, St Mary’s College vs. Signal Hill and Trinity East vs. Scarborough, have been postponed. The SSFL standings highlight Naparima’s dominance, with Fatima and St Benedict’s closely trailing, setting the stage for an intense battle for the 2025 crown.

In a spectacular display of football prowess, CG Poseidon, last season’s Eastern Football Association (EFA) runners-up, secured their place in the EFA Big 8 with a resounding 12-0 victory over Trincity Nationals on October 19. The match, held at the Clayton Ince recreation grounds in Maloney, saw Poseidon finish third in Group B, ensuring their progression to the tournament’s quarterfinals. Entering the game in sixth place with 11 points, Poseidon needed a win to secure a top-four spot in their group. Their dominant performance not only achieved this but also leapfrogged them to third place with 14 points, trailing only group winners FC Maloney (21 points) and second-placed Eastern Connect FC (16 points). Poseidon’s Isaiah Farrell led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by Kedell Jones and Joshua Rogers, who each scored twice. Lejean Lezama, Jamal Oliver, Zedane Ravello, and Kemo Toby also contributed to the goal fest. Meanwhile, FC Maloney, already confirmed as group winners, dashed FC Porto Arima’s Big 8 hopes with a 5-2 victory, led by Saleem Henry’s brace. In another thrilling match, Zebulun narrowly defeated USC Hummers 4-3, with Hasie Alexander scoring a hat-trick. The Big 8 matches are set for this weekend, featuring high-stakes clashes such as Eastern Connect vs. Athletic United FC and reigning champions Malabar Youngstars vs. Wallerfield. The EFA final, scheduled for November 9, will see the champions take home a $15,000 prize, with $10,000 and $5,000 awarded to the second and third-placed teams, respectively.

Trinidad and Tobago’s rising table tennis star, Chloe Fraser, secured a remarkable victory at the Criterium Federal National 1A Junior Tournament in Châtenay-Malabry, Paris, on October 14. The 17-year-old claimed the girls’ under-19 singles title after a thrilling comeback in the final against Maelys Messe. Fraser, who initially lost the first set 3-11, demonstrated exceptional resilience to win the next three sets 11-5, 11-6, and 11-8, clinching the championship. Her path to the final was equally challenging, as she overcame Margaux Rouet in a grueling five-set quarter-final and defeated Gaetane Bled in straight sets during the semi-finals. This victory marked a significant rebound for Fraser, who had recently competed at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender in Montenegro, where she reached the U17 round of 16 but was eliminated in the U19 round of 32. Reflecting on her performance, Fraser expressed satisfaction with her ability to maintain a high level of play across both tournaments. She credited her coach for identifying and addressing technical errors after the WTT, which contributed to her success in Paris. Currently ranked 12th in France’s junior category and 70th globally in U17, Fraser’s triumph underscores her growing prominence in international table tennis.

Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s under-17 football team has been placed in a challenging group for the 2026 Concacaf Under-17 Men’s Qualifiers, which will determine the participants for the upcoming Fifa Under-17 Men’s World Cup. The draw, held on October 21, placed TT in Group A alongside regional powerhouse Mexico, as well as Barbados, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten. The qualifiers are scheduled to take place from February 3 to 12, with TT hosting their matches at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. TT’s campaign begins on February 3 against Barbados, followed by games against Saint Martin (February 5), Sint Maarten (February 9), and Mexico (February 12). The top team from each of the eight groups will secure a spot in the World Cup. Mexico, already qualified for the 2025 Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, will be a formidable opponent for TT. Earlier this year, TT narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2025 World Cup after finishing second in their group behind Costa Rica. The 2026 qualifiers feature 34 Concacaf member associations divided into eight groups, with TT ranked 15th in the region’s under-17 rankings as of April 2025. The competition promises to be intense as teams vie for a chance to represent their nations on the global stage.

Defence Force, the reigning champions of the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL), are set to continue their 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup journey as they face Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Football Academy in the semifinal’s first leg. The match will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on October 22 at 6 pm, with the return leg scheduled for October 29 in Jamaica. Defence Force secured their spot in the semifinals by finishing second in Group B, narrowly edging out Weymouth Wales FC on goal difference. Key players like captain Kevin Molino and midfielder Cassim Kellar, both named to the Caribbean Cup’s Best XI, will be crucial in this high-stakes encounter. Mount Pleasant, on the other hand, topped Group A with a flawless record, including a dominant 2-0 victory over MIC Central FC Reboot in Mucurapo last month. Defence Force will also welcome back striker Isaiah Leacock and Tobago playmaker Adriel George, adding depth to their squad. However, they will miss right-back Isaiah Garcia due to yellow card accumulation. Under the leadership of interim coach Devorn Jorsling, Defence Force aims to overcome Mount Pleasant’s near-perfect form and advance to the final.