In a thrilling display of resilience, defending champions Garvey Maceo Technical High School overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory over Glenmuir High in a pivotal ISSA daCosta Cup Zone I playoff match on Wednesday. This win not only avenged their earlier 4-0 defeat to Glenmuir but also propelled them to the top of the points table with 24 points, two ahead of their rivals. Glenmuir’s Orane Watson initially put his team in control with goals in the 28th and 46th minutes, but Garvey Maceo’s Jihari Williams struck twice in the 52nd and 74th minutes, setting the stage for Rushane White’s decisive 81st-minute winner. The loss extended Glenmuir’s winless streak to three matches, following defeats to Kemps Hill High and a draw with Denbigh High. Meanwhile, Mannings School continued their dominant run in Zone C, completing a flawless first round with a 4-0 victory over Petersfield High. Jordan Turner led the charge with a brace, supported by goals from Kajaye Williams and Devardo Reid. Mannings’ 47 goals trail only Manchester High’s record-breaking 76 and Ocho Rios High’s 55. In other zones, Cornwall College secured back-to-back Zone A titles with a 2-0 win over Herbert Morrison Technical, while Clarendon College topped Zone H after a 4-0 thrashing of Claude McKay High. Belair High narrowly edged May Day High 1-0 in a rain-shortened Zone F match, finishing second to Manchester High. The Zone D decider between Cedric Titus and William Knibb Memorial was postponed due to inclement weather.
分类： sports
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Mbappe ‘relaxed’ and ready to play in France’s World Cup qualifiers
PARIS, France (AFP) – French football star Kylian Mbappe expressed his confidence and relaxation as he prepares for France’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Real Madrid forward addressed his recent minor ankle injury and his seamless adaptation to life in Madrid. Mbappe, who sustained a “small niggle” in his right ankle during a match last weekend, assured fans that the injury would not hinder his performance. “The coach (Didier Deschamps) wants me to play. I don’t think there will be a major problem,” he stated. Deschamps echoed this sentiment, noting that the decision to play would depend on Mbappe’s comfort level with his ankle. The 24-year-old also reflected on his transition to Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last season, describing it as a positive change. “I’ve adapted well to Madrid. The lifestyle is different—less hectic than in Paris. I’m more relaxed there,” he shared. Despite his contentment, Mbappe remains focused on improving his game, emphasizing his current good form and goal-scoring ability. Meanwhile, Deschamps warned his team against underestimating Azerbaijan, highlighting their recent draw against Ukraine and the presence of seven Qarabag players in their squad. France, currently leading their qualifying group with two wins, will face Azerbaijan at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium on Friday before traveling to Iceland three days later.
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WORLD CUP HOSTS JAMAICA?
Jamaica is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone in international football, with advanced discussions underway for the island nation to co-host matches during the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The tournament, primarily hosted by the United States and Mexico, could see Jamaica become the first Caribbean country to stage a senior World Cup match. Michael Ricketts, President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), hinted at a formal announcement scheduled for New York on October 20, 2023, confirming Jamaica’s interest in hosting. Ricketts emphasized the federation’s commitment to developing women’s football, citing the Reggae Girlz’s recent successes, including back-to-back World Cup appearances in 2019 and 2023, as evidence of Jamaica’s growing stature in the sport. The 2031 tournament will mark the fourth time the CONCACAF region has hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with other CONCACAF nations also expected to join as co-hosts. Jamaica’s bid is bolstered by government support and plans to redevelop the National Stadium, set to begin in 2026 and conclude by 2029. The upgraded facility will feature enhanced seating, lighting, media infrastructure, and green spaces, meeting international standards for major tournaments. Ricketts highlighted the teamwork and dedication behind Jamaica’s football progress, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to the sport’s development. As the Reggae Girlz prepare for the CONCACAF W Qualifiers in November, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup appearance, Jamaica’s potential role as a co-host underscores its rising influence in global football.
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Mbappe ‘relaxed’ and ready to play in France’s World Cup qualifiers
PARIS, France (AFP) – French football star Kylian Mbappe expressed his confidence and relaxation as he prepares for France’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Real Madrid forward addressed his recent minor ankle injury and his seamless adaptation to life in Madrid. Mbappe, who sustained a “small niggle” in his right ankle during a match last weekend, assured fans that the injury would not hinder his performance. “The coach (Didier Deschamps) wants me to play. I don’t think there will be a major problem,” he stated. Deschamps echoed this sentiment, noting that the decision to play would depend on Mbappe’s comfort level with his ankle. The 24-year-old also reflected on his transition to Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last season, describing it as a positive change. “I’ve adapted well to Madrid. The lifestyle is different—less hectic than in Paris. I’m more relaxed there,” he shared. Despite his contentment, Mbappe remains focused on improving his game, emphasizing his current good form and goal-scoring ability. Meanwhile, Deschamps warned his team against underestimating Azerbaijan, highlighting their recent draw against Ukraine and the presence of seven Qarabag players in their squad. France, currently leading their qualifying group with two wins, will face Azerbaijan at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium on Friday before traveling to Iceland three days later.
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Sugar Boyz dominate French Saint Martin in back-to-back international friendlies
The St. Kitts and Nevis Senior Men’s National Team, affectionately known as the Sugar Boyz, showcased their prowess in two consecutive international friendly matches against French Saint Martin at the Newtown Sports Complex. The matches, held on October 4th and 5th, 2025, saw the Sugar Boyz dominate with a 5-0 victory in the first game and a 2-1 win in the second. Key players such as Javern Matthew, Mervin Lewis, Dequan Hamilton, and Nequan Brown contributed to the first game’s success, while 15-year-old Dionte Eddy secured the winning goal in the second match. Coach Austin Deacon-Huggins lauded the team’s attacking strategy in the first game, highlighting the fluid movement and combination plays that led to their impressive performance. In the second game, coach Alexis Morris emphasized the opportunity given to younger players, noting the team’s average age of 22-23. These friendlies were part of the Sugar Boyz’s preparation for an upcoming Concacaf-organized international tournament set to commence next month.
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Tension boils over in Sports Department meeting
The Sports Department has recently become the center of attention for troubling reasons, as internal conflicts and inefficiencies continue to plague its operations. Earlier this week, a pivotal meeting intended to address these challenges and enhance departmental performance took an unexpected and dramatic turn. Tensions between two senior leaders escalated into a heated verbal altercation, witnessed by other staff members, leaving many shocked and disheartened by the unprofessional conduct during such a critical session. This incident underscores deeper issues within the department, including management inefficiencies, poor coordination, and a growing lack of confidence among athletes and sporting organizations. In the wake of the confrontation, numerous staff members have expressed frustration and called for immediate leadership changes, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, stronger teamwork, and structural reforms to restore unity and public trust. The fallout has also prompted demands for intervention from higher authorities, as the sporting community eagerly awaits the department’s next steps to rebuild its credibility and vision. As one concerned administrator aptly stated, ‘We can’t fix sports if the people leading it can’t work together.’ The focus must now shift from personal disagreements to meaningful progress.
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CWI CEO Calls for Increased Support for West Indies Cricket from Regional Tourism Partners
Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring has issued a compelling appeal to Caribbean tourism stakeholders, urging them to share the responsibility for the sustainability of West Indies cricket. Speaking at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) held in Barbados from September 30 to October 3, Dehring highlighted the significant financial contributions CWI has made to the tourism sector over the past 15 years, including $82.5 million on airlift and $120 million on hotel accommodations. Despite these investments, sponsorship support from airlines and hotels has been minimal, creating an unsustainable imbalance. Dehring emphasized that without greater collaboration and investment from tourism beneficiaries, the future of West Indies cricket remains at risk. He praised Sandals Resorts International as a rare example of meaningful support, while calling on other regional players to follow suit. The CEO’s remarks underscored the critical intersection between sports and tourism, stressing that shared investment is essential for the long-term health of the sport and the Caribbean brand.
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SCA Crowned New CODICADER Champions in San José
Saint Catherine Academy (SCA) has etched its name in Belizean sports history by clinching the IX Central American Student Games (CODICADER) Volleyball Championship for High School Students at the Intermediate (Under-18) level. The thrilling final took place at the Gimnasio Nacional Eddy Cortés in La Sabana, San José, Costa Rica, where SCA emerged victorious against Costa Rica’s Liceo Experimental Bilingüe de Turrialba in straight sets. This triumph not only secured the regional title but also reinforced SCA’s dominance in the tournament. The Belizean team had previously defeated the same opponents in the group stage, showcasing their unwavering momentum and exceptional teamwork. SCA’s journey to the championship was marked by stellar performances, beginning with a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Nicaragua’s Colegio San Francisco Hermanos Maristas on October 4, followed by another impressive win against the Costa Rican hosts in the group stage. This victory is a testament to SCA’s dedication and skill, positioning them as one of Central America’s premier volleyball programs. The win has sparked national pride, as Belize celebrates this remarkable achievement on the regional stage.
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CWI launches second round of foundational training, in Leeward Islands and St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has initiated the second cycle of its Foundation Level & Refreshers Cricket Coaching Course across the Leeward Islands and St. Vincent, marking a significant step in its strategic mission to build a robust coaching network in the Caribbean. The program, which commenced on October 2, 2025, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua & Barbuda, is designed to prepare coaches for the reopening of primary schools and the revival of community-based grassroots cricket initiatives. Sessions are scheduled to take place in Montserrat, the British and US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Anguilla, and St. Vincent, culminating on October 30. Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, underscored the organization’s dedication to enhancing coaching standards and cricket infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of early-stage coaching education in fostering sustainable growth for the sport. He highlighted the collaboration with government and private sector partners to expand age-group cricket, ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable pathway for aspiring cricketers. The coaching courses, led by seasoned instructors Mr. Brendon Ramlal and Mr. Keshava Ramphal, focus on critical areas such as child protection, tactical understanding, physical fitness, and effective communication. CWI has also mandated that all participants complete the UNICEF Child Protection Course and a Cricket Safeguarding & Child Protection Workshop to ensure a safe environment for young athletes. These initiatives are expected to significantly benefit youth programs like the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Five for Fun Cricket and the Girls Under-16/19 Territorial Cricket Hub. Since its inception, the program has trained over 150 coaches across multiple Caribbean nations, including Dominica, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica, reinforcing CWI’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting cricket at the grassroots level.
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Gray could miss World Cup qualifier against Curacao
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Observer has received credible information indicating that Demarai Gray, a pivotal winger for the Reggae Boyz, might be sidelined for Friday’s crucial Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Curacao. Gray sustained an injury during a training session at Sabina Park on Tuesday, casting uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming match. While the severity of his injury remains unclear, his absence would be a significant blow to the team. Gray previously missed September’s fixtures against Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago due to injury. Speculation has arisen that Chelsea’s Dujuan “Whisper” Richards could step in as a replacement, though reliable sources have tempered such claims for now. Currently, the team faces no additional injury concerns, with only Kasey Palmer and Isaac Hayden ruled out due to suspension. Jamaica, leading their group with six points, will face Curacao, who have four points, at the Ergilio Hato Stadium on Friday at 6:00 pm. The stakes are high, as only the group winner will secure a spot in next summer’s FIFA World Cup.