标签： Trinidad and Tobago

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.

Despite Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) men’s football team being eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, head coach Dwight Yorke has expressed his desire to remain in the role. Yorke, who took charge of the team in November 2022, emphasized his commitment to building a stronger foundation for TT football, even as the team fell short of their World Cup aspirations. The TTFA (Trinidad and Tobago Football Association) will now decide whether to extend his contract beyond the qualifiers. Yorke’s tenure has been marked by progress, but the team’s inability to secure crucial victories in the final round of qualifiers ultimately sealed their fate. TT’s hopes were dashed after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica on November 13, leaving them third in Group B of the Concacaf qualifiers. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, TT struggled with finishing, a recurring issue throughout the campaign. Yorke, visibly disappointed but proud of his players, acknowledged the challenges and called for long-term planning to improve TT’s chances in future tournaments. With the 2030 World Cup in sight, Yorke urged the TTFA to implement structural changes and support systems to elevate the team’s performance. He remains focused on the upcoming match against Bermuda, aiming to end the qualifiers on a positive note.

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.

The San Fernando Giants, a football club with a rich history spanning 75 years, recently celebrated its milestone anniversary with a series of commemorative events. Established as one of the longest-surviving active football clubs, the Giants have evolved from their origins as the Lantern Giants to their current incarnation, rooted in the heart of San Fernando. The celebrations included a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and an awards ceremony held in the church hall on November 1. Notably, the club has thrived without significant sponsorship, relying instead on the dedication of volunteers and the unwavering support of the local community. This grassroots approach has ensured not only the club’s survival but also its continued relevance in fostering youth development and community spirit. Senator David Nakhid, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, attended the awards ceremony, highlighting the club’s enduring legacy and the long-term commitment of its members. The San Fernando Giants stand as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in sports, offering a model for other clubs to emulate in an era where such structures are increasingly rare. As the club continues its youth programs, it remains a beacon of grassroots development and a source of pride for the city.