It was another masterful display from Jamaican trio Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Latanya Wilson, and Romelda Aiken-George that ensured Adelaide Thunderbirds retained their Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League title as they edged Melbourne Vixens 59-57 in extra-time of a pulsating final at a sold-out Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

The relentless efforts of dynamic defensive duo Sterling-Humphrey and Wilson, coupled with the shooting prowess of the towering Aiken-George, not only underscored their immense class and quality, but more importantly, spurred the Thunderbirds to back-to-back premiership glory, a feat that only one other club has ever achieved in the SSN era.

Aiken-George, who joined the franchise at the top of the season, was named Finals MVP for her 41 goals from 51 attempts. She was supported by Lauren Frew, who scored a perfect 10 goals from as many attempts, while Georgie Horjus scored seven goals from eight attempts.

Meanwhile, Sophie Garbin scored 22 goals from 24 attempts, and Kiera Austin scored 21 goals from 24 attempts and seven two-goal Supershot efforts from as many attempts.

Romelda Aiken-George was named Finals MVP.

The Thunderbirds, like they have done all season, showed grit and determination, as Sterling-Humphrey and Wilson did what they do best. While they didn't reach their usual heights on the stat sheet, the dynamic duo wore down their Melbourne-based opponent’s attack, which started in red-hot form.

Sterling-Humphrey and Wilson combined for six gains but didn’t have everything their way in the early exchanges, as Austin’s smarts in the circle and Vixens' quick ball movement proved a challenge for the world-class Thunderbirds defenders.

After trailing by five, the Thunderbirds were forced to call a timeout to reset, which worked to some extent as they reduced the deficit to trail by three, 13-16, at the end of the opening quarter.

With Matilda Garrett, Sterling-Humphrey, and Wilson quiet at that point, Thunderbirds Head coach Tania Obst was forced to make some changes.

Jamaica's Wilson (second left) and Sterling-Humphrey (second right) celebrate with teammates.

Wilson was moved into goal defence, Tayla Williams into wing defence and skipper Hannah Petty was injected into centre to steady the ship.

And it worked.

From there, the Thunderbirds forced the Vixens into a number of errors to claw back the margin, outscoring their opponents 15-12 as they went into the half-time interval 28-28.

Sterling-Humphrey worked herself into the game in the second half, with Wilson by her side, wearing Austin like a glove down the court.

At the other end, Simone McKinnis handed Emily Mannix the job of quelling Aiken-George, but it proved futile given the height miss-match as the Thunderbirds took a one-goal lead at 42-41 to end the third quarter. 

As anticipated, the Thunderbirds, spurred by the electric home crowd, rattled the Vixens in the final quarter and raced to a six-goal lead at one point.

Kiera Austin was the standout Vixens performer.

However, Austin, who enjoyed superb form on the night, cut the deficit with her hot hand from the Supershot range.

In fact, a late turnover from Laura Scherian gave the Melbourne team a sniff of victory with less than two minutes to go, but Sophie Garbin missed a crucial Supershot in the dying moments and so it took extra time to decide a winner.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the squad for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa, set to take place from August 7 to 19, 2024. The series will feature two Test matches, with the first being held at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago and the second at the National Stadium in Guyana.

Key changes in the squad include the dropping of out of form batsman Kirk McKenzie and the resting of vice-captain Alzarri Joseph. Kemar Roach, who was injured during the recent series against England, returns to bolster the bowling attack. Additionally, Keacy Carty and Tevin Imlach has been called up to strengthen the batting lineup.

The squad, captained by Kraigg Brathwaite with Joshua Da Silva as vice-captain, includes Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Bryan Charles, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, and Jomel Warrican. This combination reflects a balanced mix of experienced players and promising young talents, strategically selected to maximize performance in Trinidad and Guyana.

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, expressed confidence in the squad's ability to deliver strong performances against South Africa. "The selection process for this squad was led by our Head Coach, Andre Coley, pending the implementation of our new selection process, which will be rolled out in the coming days and articulated publicly shortly. This squad reflects a thorough evaluation of players' recent performances and suitability for the conditions we anticipate. We are confident that this team is well-balanced and capable of competing at the highest level," Bascombe said.

Head Coach Coley emphasized the strategic selection of a balanced mix of experience and youth to maximize performance in Trinidad and Guyana. He explained the decision to rest Alzarri Joseph, citing his recent heavy workload and the need for recuperation to ensure peak performance. "Kevin Sinclair is presently recovering from an injury," Coley added.

The full schedule for the series is as follows:

Test Series:

1st Test: August 7-11, 2024, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago

2nd Test: August 15-18, 2024, National Stadium, Guyana

T20I Series:

1st T20I: August 23, 2024, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago

2nd T20I: August 25, 2024, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago

3rd T20I: August 27, 2024, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago

Barbadian all-rounder Shamar Springer was the star of day two of the four-day warm-up match between the West Indies Championship XI and South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Thursday.

The 26-year-old former West Indies Under-19 star hit 131, his maiden first-class hundred, to propel the West Indians to a formidable 397 all out in their first innings.

The Championship XI started day two 245-6 off 82 overs with Springer and Joshua Bishop at the crease on 45 and 6, respectively.

The pair batted excellently, putting on a partnership of 107 for the seventh wicket before Bishop fell for a 78-ball 50 off the bowling of Dane Piedt.

Kemar Roach (6) and Bryan Charles (0) fell not son after before Springer became the last man to go, also off the bowling of Piedt in the 118^th over.

Springer’s innings lasted 212 balls and included 16 fours and three sixes.

Piedt finished with 3-41 off 16.3 overs while pacer Kagiso Rabada took 3-47 from his nine overs.

At stumps, South Africa reached 172-2 off 52 overs, trailing the Championship XI by 225 runs.

Opener Aiden Markram made 82 before retiring hurt while captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham were the not out batsmen at the crease at the end of the day’s play on 36* and 35*, respectively.

Anderson Phillip and Nial Smith have split the two wickets.

Full Scores:

West Indies Championship XI 397 all out off 117.3 overs (Shamar Springer 131, Jeremy Solozano 111, Joshua Bishop 50, Dane Piedt 3-41, Kagiso Rabada 3-47, Keshav Maharaj 2-82)

South Africa 172-2 off 52 overs (Aiden Markram 82 retired hurt, Temba Bavuma 36*, David Bedingham 35*)

Security Forces FC are the 2024 SKNFA Division 1 Champions after drawing 1-1 against Molineux FC on Friday July 26, 2024 at the National Bank Group of Companies Technical Center in St. Peters.

Dion Dolphin gave Security Forces an early lead in the 3^rd minute of the match, but Ronald Williams ensured Molineux were not going down without a fight with a 88^th minute goal.

Still, the result was enough to give Security Forces the Division 1 title, with 42 points at the top of the table. Coach of Security Forces Iroy Jeffers lauded his players for the accomplishment. He recalled taking over the team halfway into the season with an unbeaten record, and his experience in guiding them to the title. 

“It was a difficult decision to make but after talking to my daughter, she gave me the go ahead to challenge myself. I went (to training) for the first time and saw the players. They are respectful, loving willing to learn, which is the most important thing and everything (took off),” Jeffers said. 

Despite winning the title and earning a place in the National Bank Group of Companies Premier League for next season, Jeffers said it will not be easy and they will have to work exceptionally hard.

“In the premier level, its better players, better coaches, better referees. You have to be hungry and learn as quickly as possible,” Jeffers surmised. 

Meanwhile, Keith King, the goalkeeping coach for the team, spoke about the work and effort in improving the Security Forces defense ahead of the season. Security Forces conceded only 15 goals all season, less than all the teams in Division 1.

“One thing we tried to focus on is improving defensively. People say goals win championships and if you don’t give up goals, you technically can’t lose. We try to install in the players how important it is to keep the ball out of the back of the net, how important it is to work with each other as a defensive unit and make sure the opponent has a hard task getting past the defensive line,” King disclosed.

Security Forces still has one more match to go before ending the season, which will be played this Tuesday at the Technical Center.

On the centennial birthday of Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary cricketer, highlighting his transformative impact on both the sport and the Caribbean community.

"Today, we stand at the intersection of history and aspiration, commemorating the centennial birthday of Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell," Dr. Shallow began. "This moment invites us to reflect deeply on a man whose impact extends far beyond the boundaries of cricket, touching the very essence of Caribbean identity and resilience."

Sir Frank Worrell's historic appointment in 1960 as the first black captain of the West Indies team for an entire series marked a turning point not only in cricket but also in the fight against racial prejudice. Dr. Shallow underscored how Worrell's leadership symbolized hope and change, unifying the Caribbean with a spirit of dignity, pride, and excellence. "Worrell’s appointment was a bold declaration that cricket in the West Indies would no longer be shackled by the chains of racial prejudice," Dr. Shallow emphasized.

Under Worrell’s captaincy, the West Indies team became a beacon of possibility and a source of collective pride. His ability to unite players from diverse backgrounds into a cohesive and formidable unit demonstrated that unity is the Caribbean’s greatest strength. "Sir Frank's tenure as captain was more than a chapter in a cricketing saga; it was a pivotal moment in our region's social and cultural renaissance," Dr. Shallow noted.

Reflecting on the current state of West Indies cricket, Dr. Shallow called for introspection and purposeful collaboration. He acknowledged that recent performances have not met the expectations of West Indian fans, and emphasized the need for transformation and innovation within the sport. "Our commitment to transformation in pursuit of excellence must be evident. We must embrace innovation and creativity to strengthen our cricket systems, including coaching and selections," he said.

Education, according to Dr. Shallow, is crucial for the future of West Indies cricket. He urged young cricketers to learn about the rich history of the Caribbean and the significance of cricket, emphasizing that the legacy of legends like Sir Frank Worrell must inspire future generations. "The legacy of legends like Sir Frank must be shared in all forms possible to inspire future generations," he asserted.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Shallow celebrated Sir Frank Worrell’s enduring legacy as a guiding light for the Caribbean. "Sir Frank Worrell’s legacy is a testament to what can be achieved when we dare to dream and work together," he said. "As we celebrate his life and contributions, let us recommit ourselves to the principles he stood for—unity, excellence, and an unwavering pursuit of progress. His story is our story, and as we move forward, let us carry his spirit with us, striving to build a future worthy of his legacy."

Barbados Under-19s added the CWI Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-over title to their 2-Day championship crown with a six-wicket win over the Leeward Islands at the Cumberland Playing Field on Tuesday.

The Leewards were bundled out for just 105 in 39.4 overs after winning the toss and choosing to take first strike.

Isra-el Morton made 20* to lead the way for the Leewards while Devanand Singh (19) and captain Jewel Andrew (17) also got starts.

Off-spinner Saurav Worrell was the main man in the Bajan attack with 4-28 from his 10 overs and was well supported by Zishan Motara’s 2-17 off 10 overs.

Barbados then used just over half of their allotted overs to successfully reach 110-4 and secure the title.

West Indies Under-19 representative Joshua Dorne led the way with 40 while wicket-keeper Joshua Morris made 30 against 2-31 off five overs from pacer Michael Palmer.

In Tuesday’s other round five games, Jamaica defeated Trinidad & Tobago by 65 runs at Arnos Vale while Guyana defeated the Windward Islands by five wickets at Park Hill.

The Jamaica Football Federation has appointed Stephen McClaren as the Head coach of the senior Reggae Boyz with a two-year contract aimed at securing qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

JFF president Michael Ricketts expressed great optimism about the appointment.

“We are truly elated to announce the appointment of Mr. McClaren as Head Coach of the Reggae Boyz. We are confident we made the right decision, and we are looking forward to him guiding our nation towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Ricketts said.

McClaren also expressed great excitement of taking charge of the Reggae Boyz.

“I am extremely proud and excited to take up the position of Head coach for The Jamaica Men’s National Team. I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career,” McClaren noted.

“Prior to returning to Manchester United for a second spell, I spent time at FIFA as a Technical Advisor on their Global Eco Analysis project. Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with and I quickly came to realize the potential the country possessed. In the years since, that potential has grown significantly and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development a bright future lies ahead,” he added.

McClaren's coaching career includes significant achievements with Manchester United, the England National team, and clubs like Middlesbrough F.C. and FC Twente.

The Reggae Boyz will commence their campaign in the 2024/2025 edition of the CONCACAF Nations League on September 6 against Cuba at the National Stadium.

This Nations League cycle will also serve as a qualifier for the 2025 edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Further details about McClaren's first press conference will be announced later.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) executive is now on the hunt for a new head coach to pilot their senior men's national team after parting ways with Angus Eve.

This move may come as a surprise to many, as the TTFA, while under the watch of a Normalisation Committee, extended Eve's stay in September 2023 to March 2024, but later pushed it further to 2025.

Eve, 52, was appointed head coach in September 2021 after taking over on an interim basis from Terry Fenwick in February 2021.

"We sincerely thank Coach Eve for his dedication, hard work, and contributions to our football program. His commitment and passion for the game have been greatly appreciated," the TTFA stated in a media release.

"Moving forward, the TTFA will commence the search for a new head coach who can lead our national team to greater heights. Our focus is firmly set on the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. We recognize the importance of having a clear pathway for qualification, which requires the full support of the government, private sector, and citizens," the release added.

The TTFA stressed its dedication to fostering a strong and vibrant football culture in Trinidad and Tobago, adding that it is committed to enhancing the football infrastructure, developing youth programs, and ensuring competitive performance at all levels.

"Achieving our goals will require a total buy-in from corporate entities, government bodies, and the general public," the media release declared.

"We reaffirm our commitment to the overall development of football in our nation and will continue to work diligently towards creating opportunities and providing the necessary resources for our players, coaches, and supporters," it ended.

The TTFA thanked Eve for his service and contribution and wished him well on his future endeavors.

Arnett Gardens Head coach Xavier Gilbert was full of praise for his team following their emphatic 7-1 victory over CRKSV Jong Holland, which secured their spot in the semifinals of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield.

A hat-trick from the prolific Fabian Reid (5th, 45+1, 60th) was the platform for the Jamaican club’s lopsided victory over their Curacao counterparts at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad on Tuesday.

Kimani Arbouine (82nd and 90th), Jaheim Thomas (9th), and substitute Rushike Kelson (70th) got the other goals for Arnett Gardens. Shurwendel Roosje (59th) got Jong Holland’s consolation.

It was an encounter that showcased Arnett Gardens' attacking prowess and tactical discipline, as the ‘Junglists’ took their opponents apart with clinical precision, much to the delight of their coach, who pointed out that it was a clear indication of their potential to achieve their primary objective of qualifying for the Concacaf Club Championships.

“Yeah, it was a good victory. I'm happy that we are in the semi-finals and one step away from the next round, which is objective,” Gilbert told Sportsmax.TV.

“We started off well, but I thought we could have been better because we allowed them some opportunities. Eventually, we settled in and controlled the entire game and we made some adjustments as it relates to what we needed to do to curtail the strengths coming forward, and we executed well for most parts. Winning 7-1 at this level is a great feat and so I have to lift my hat off to them,” he added.

Arnett Gardens survived an early wave of pressure, with goalkeeper Richard White called upon twice to deny the opponents in quick succession. However, when they settled, the Jamaicans dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match.

Their fluid ball movements, coupled with their attacking quality, left Jong Holland’s defence in disarray, as it was a goalkeeping error that allowed Reid to break the deadlock with a firm finish from in the six-yard box.

Another defensive error saw Arnett Gardens double their lead four minutes later as Keneldo Brown picked up the loose ball and found Thomas, who made no mistakes.

Jong Holland also had their fair share of chances at the half-hour mark, but lacked composure in the final third, and were made to pay for their profligacy. This, as Reid grabbed his second with a well-taken finish in time, added to put Arnett Gardens 3-0 up at the break.

Jong Holland eventually pulled one back 14 minutes into the resumption when Roosje finished off a well-orchestrated counterattack.

However, their celebrations were short-lived, as Reid responded a minute later with another finish from close range to complete his hat-trick.

Kelson got in on the act shortly after entering the contest, with a tidy finish that left Jong Holland’s goalkeeper flat-footed.

Aubouine then wrapped things up for Arnett Gardens with two quick goals, the first of which was a well-struck right-footer that gave Jong Holland’s custodian no chance at a save.

He then secured the brace with an easy finish, making amends for a previous strike that was ruled offside.

Gilbert believes his team’s win came down to pre-game preparation, where they identified their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

“We scouted them, and so we knew what they were coming at us with. Unfortunately, we just didn't start the execution of that plan as early as possible, but eventually we got it right, and it paid dividends. We could have won by a wider margin because we created way more opportunities, so that is something we will have to look at going forward,” Gilbert reasoned.

With Friday’s semi-final clash with Club Atlético Pantoja, who were 1-0 winners over Puerto Rico’s Metropolitan FC, looming, Gilbert stressed the need for his team to remain grounded.

“Our goal has always been to make it to the Concacaf Club Championships. This victory is a significant step towards that, but we know there's still work to be done. We need to stay focused and continue playing at this level,” the tactician noted.

“We have a talented squad with the right mentality, so if we keep playing with the same intensity and commitment, I'm confident we can achieve our goal. But we're taking it one game at a time; the semi-finals will be another tough test, so we’ll ensure we're ready for that hurdle,” Gilbert ended.

MFCR Old Road United Jets clinched their first ever FA Cup title after defeating defending champions S L Horsfords St. Paul’s United 2-0 in the 2024 FA Cup finals at the National Bank Group of Companies Technical Center in St. Peters.

The goalscoring started off with a stunning Kendale Liburd strike from within the 18-yard box to give Old Road the lead in the 21^st minute before Tiquanny Williams sealed the win in the 85^th minute. Petrez Williams of St. Pauls was sent off in the 83rd min after receiving a red card. 

This is Old Road’s second silverware in their history after winning Division 1 title some years ago when they earned promotion to the Premier League.

Coach Alexis Morris of Old Road was a guest recently on Island Tea morning show on WINN FM, where he said this victory is a great feat of the team and the community.

“It’s another great feat. Never before has that team won any silverware of that magnitude,” Morris said.  With this victory, Old Road are now focusing on the Final Four playoffs with an aim to win the NBGC Premier League title.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Sir Clive Lloyd, the legendary former West Indies captain, who was conferred with the prestigious Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) at the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held in Grenada on Sunday, 28 July, 2024. 

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of CWI, attended the opening ceremony, where Sir Clive Lloyd was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to cricket and his enduring legacy as a leader and ambassador of the sport.

"On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I am immensely proud to extend our warmest congratulations to Sir Clive Lloyd on being conferred with the Order of the Caribbean Community," said Dr. Shallow. "This honor is a fitting tribute to a man who has not only exemplified excellence on the cricket field but has also been an unwavering pillar of inspiration and leadership for the Caribbean and the world. Sir Clive’s contributions to cricket and his dedication to the development of the sport are truly unparalleled."

Sir Clive Lloyd, who captained the West Indies team to two consecutive World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979, has been a towering figure in the cricketing world. His achievements have left an indelible mark on the history of the game, and his influence extends far beyond his playing days and the cricket boundary, as he continues to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Dr. Shallow further remarked, "Sir Clive’s legacy is one that resonates deeply with every West Indian. His leadership, determination, and sportsmanship have set the standard for what it means to be a true champion. This recognition by CARICOM is a testament to his enduring impact on our region and the sport of cricket. We are honored to celebrate this moment with him."

The OCC is the highest honor bestowed by the Caribbean Community, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development and integration of the region.

Sir Clive Lloyd’s receipt of this honor underscores his role as a unifying figure and a beacon of Caribbean pride.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach represents the most experienced figure in a West Indies Championship XI squad that includes a number of young prospects set to engage South Africa in a warm-up match from July 31 to August 3.

Roach, 36, who missed the just-concluded three-match Test series against England due to a knee injury, now has the opportunity to prove his fitness to possibly break back into the Kraigg Brathwaite-led team for the upcoming two-match Test series against the Proteas scheduled to begin on August 7.

The same is true for the others, namely Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Justin Greaves, who fell out of favour for Test team selection following sub-par performances in Australia earlier this year, as the warm-up match will be their shot at redemption.

Following the Test series, West Indies and South Africa will cross swords in a three-match T20 series starting on August 23.

Cricket West Indies (CWI), in making the announcement, said the warm-up match is a crucial opportunity to also engage several talented players that have either demonstrated consistent performances over multiple seasons or have shown impressive emerging talent.

The selection of these players also forms part of CWI’s strategy to evaluate the readiness of potential squad members for the upcoming West Indies home Test Series against South Africa.

According to CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, the focus is on assessing their battle readiness and potential contributions to the men's Test team.

“We are excited to see these players in action against a formidable South African side. This fixture is a valuable opportunity to assess their readiness and gauge their potential for the upcoming Test series. Each player selected has shown significant promise, and we are eager to see how they perform on this stage,” Bascombe said.

He added that this match will serve as a significant test for these players, providing a platform to showcase their skills and further their case for inclusion in the senior team.

West Indies Championship XI: Justin Greaves (Captain), Keacy Carty (Vice Captain), Jediah Blades, Joshua Bishop, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Bryan Charles, Amir Jangoo, Anderson Phillip, Nial Smith, Jeremy Solozano, Shamar Springer, Isai Thorne, Kevin Wickham, Kemar Roach

Management: Floyd Reifer (Head coach), Ramesh Subasinge (Assistant coach), Jelani Baptise (Physiotherapist), Shayne Cooper (Strength & Conditioning coach), Keshavar Ramphal (Analyst)

Steve Bruce has been revealed as a leading contender to become the next Jamaica head coach. He is among a shortlist of four names being earmarked by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to lead the Boyz into the next World Cup finals.

 The 63-year-old former English Premier League manager was last in charge at West Bromwich Albion, but he was given the boot by the Championship club in October 2022.

 The ex-Manchester United defender has never managed at the international level but has been in charge at 11 different clubs in England and amassed over a thousand matches. His CV includes being head coach with Aston Villa and Newcastle.

 Jamaica have been without a coach since Icelander Heimir Hallgrímsson resigned last month following a poor Copa America 2024 campaign and promptly took over the Republic of Ireland hot seat.

 With over 30 serious applications received by the JFF, which included ex-Manchester United players Ole Solsjaer (Norway international) and Dwight Yorke (Trinidad & Tobago), there has been a gradual process to narrow it down.

 JFF president Michael Ricketts, who is not part of the selection process, has publicly expressed that he personally prefers to have an England-based head coach as Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz prepare to tackle the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. There were murmurs that former West Ham United boss David Moyes could be a surprise appointment, although that appears to have only been rumours.

 Whoever takes over the role will be expected to guide the Boyz to the next World Cup finals, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

 These three nations are Jamaica’s biggest rivals in the CONCACAF region. As they have been given automatic berths for football’s biggest competition, the Boyz are expected to breeze into the World Cup finals for only the second time in their history.

 The other names believed to be on JFF’s shortlist are Deon Burton, Miguel Coley and Jose Peseiro.

 British-born Burton is the U23 coach of West Bromwich Albion. The 47-year-old won the 1997 Jamaican Sportsman of the Year award after bagging four goals in five games during the Boyz’ successful 1998 World Cup qualifiers. He played in all three games at France ‘98 but failed to find the back of the net.

 Jamaican Coley, 41, has served as assistant manager and U23 head coach with the Boyz. He has recently been in the UAE with various clubs.

 The standout name being touted is former striker Peseiro. The 64-year-old Portuguese has managed at international level with Saudi Arabia (2009-11), Venezuela (2020-21) and Nigeria (2022-24).

 Peseiro was given the boot by Saudi Arabia, left Venezuela because he had not been paid for over a year and quit Nigeria in March following 22 successful months. He guided Nigeria to the 2023 African Cup of Nations final, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast, and was awarded the Order of the Niger by President Bola Tinubu for his achievements.

 The JFF Technical Committee is anticipated to decide on one candidate this week, with an announcement expected as early as August 1 to reveal the new Jamaica head coach. The next game for the Boyz is the Nations League tie against Cuba at the National Stadium in Kingston.