Former Soca Warriors and Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has been appointed Head Coach of Trinidad and Tobago's senior men's team.

According to Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards, Yorke's appointment marks a new chapter for football in the Twin Island Republic, as his primary focus will be on upcoming World Cup qualification efforts.

“With World Cup qualification in our sights, we’re thrilled to welcome Dwight Yorke as the new head coach of our men’s national team,” Edwards said in making the announcement on Friday.

“Dwight’s experience, leadership, and commitment to the red, white, and black are exactly what we need to inspire our players and our nation," he added.

Yorke expressed delight at the opportunity.

“I am proud and privileged to receive the honour of leading the Trinidad and Tobago national team. The opportunity to work with this talented, close-knit group of players is something I look forward to. Having helped Trinidad and Tobago to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2000, captained the side at the 2006 World Cup, and been assistant manager, my love and commitment to my national team are well documented,” Yorke declared.

“I saw firsthand as a player how working together to achieve our targets brought joy and united our country. I see that same ambition and desire at all levels of the current set-up. So I look forward to building on the work of someone who I played alongside with for a number of years from youth level right up to senior team, a good friend and former teammate, Angus Eve, and the current interim head coach, Derek King. As a player, I experienced some incredible moments in a Trinidad and Tobago shirt. With this squad, I hope they can continue as head coach,” he shared.

Yorke, one of the nation’s most celebrated football figures, brings his extensive international experience as both a player and leader in the sport to his new role. Known for his tactical insight, passion, and dedication, Yorke’s appointment aligns with the TTFA’s mission to elevate T&T football to new heights.

“Dwight’s journey from a standout player to a seasoned leader in football brings a unique vision that aligns with our ambitions. We are confident he will guide us forward with purpose and pride as we work to make Trinidad and Tobago’s presence felt on the world stage once again," Edwards noted.

Yorke’s tenure as head coach begins immediately, with plans to energize the team’s training and development in preparation for the rigors of international competition. As the TTFA continues its commitment to advancing football standards in Trinidad and Tobago, Yorke’s leadership is anticipated to bring new energy and dedication to the national team.

He was captain of the Trinidad and Tobago 2006 World Cup squad during an illustrious playing career that saw him enjoy playing spells at Manchester United, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, and Sydney FC.

Yorke also served as head coach of Australian Premier Club Macarthur FC most recently and assistant coach at Sunderland for a brief period in 2008/2009. He also served as assistant coach of T&T in 2009.

On 25 May 2022, Yorke managed the Australian A-League All Stars in their 3–2 loss to a star-studded Barcelona.

Champions-elect of the 2024 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), St. Benedict’s College, will have the chance to complete an undefeated season when they take on St. Mary’s College at Serpentine Road on Friday.

St. Benedict’s, last season’s runners-up, confirmed themselves as champions on Tuesday thanks to an 8-0 spanking of Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High on the back of five goals from captain Derrel Garcia who took his tally this season to 16 goals.

The win gave them a six-point lead over 2023 champions Fatima College with both teams having one game left. Fatima will face Malick Secondary on Friday.

Presentation College are level on points with Fatima heading into their Friday tussle with sixth-placed Naparima College.

Fourth-placed St. Anthony’s College will take on ninth-placed San Juan North while fifth-placed Arima North will face 14^th-placed Speyside High.

Other Friday fixtures include Miracle Ministries vs Trinity College, Signal Hill vs East Mucurapo and St. Augustine Secondary vs Queen’s Royal College.

Dominican Republic’s Cibao FC will take their unbeaten record into the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final after they edged Haitian counterparts Real Hope FA 1-0 in their second-leg semifinal tie in Santiago de los Caballeros on Thursday.

Rivaldo Correa got the all-important strike in the 10th minute as Cibao, who entered the contest with a 3-2 first-leg lead, topped the series 4-2 on aggregate to book a date with Jamaican outfit Cavalier FC in the final. They also secured a spot in next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup.

Correa’s early strike from deep inside the 18-yard box applied more pressure on Real Hope, who now needed to score at least two goals to stand a chance of turning the tables.

The Haitian club went close in the 14th minute through Clifford Louis Jean’s long range effort that was equally well-saved by Miguel Lloyd in goal for Cibao.

Lloyd cut off another promising attack from Real Hope in the 29th as he denied Angelo Exilus from a Jeudy Jhonson cross.

Cibao FC’s next best chance of the contest came in the 49th but Ernesto Trinidad failed to beat Real Hope’s custodian Gooly Elien from close range.

From there, it was all Real Hope as they desperately sought to claw their way back into the contest and had two great opportunities to do so, but Exilus dragged an 80th-minute effort wide of the left upright, while Lloyd again came up big to thwart the other in time added.

Real Hope FA will now hope to bounce back in the third-place playoff, where they will cross swords with another Dominican Republic outfit, Moca FC, to decide the final Caribbean representative that will grace the Champions Cup.

Sunshine Girls coach and former player Sasher-Gaye Henry says her team is looking forward to the challenge of taking on England in their upcoming four-match Test series.

Henry’s Sunshine Girls will be looking to rebound from a 1-2 series defeat at the hands of their opponents when they last squared off in England last January.

“It’s a big one for us and we’re looking forward to the ranking,” Henry told Sportsmax.tv last week.

We always want to beat England and they always want to beat us so we embrace this type of competition and look forward to it,” Henry added.

Both teams are currently separated in the Netball World Rankings by just two points. England are ranked number two in the world with 189 rating points while Jamaica are fourth with 187.

Henry, who won 75 caps for the Sunshine Girls between 1996 and 2015, was also asked about her best memories as a player against England.

Rather than giving just one memory, Henry noted how excited she was whenever she got to test her skills against the rivals.

“As a player, it was always about wanting to win, especially when it comes to playing England,” she said.

“We’re big rivals and it was always a competition between coming third and fourth so we were always in high spirits when we were playing England and the cycle continues,” Henry added.

Jamaica will first travel to England to take on the Vitality Roses on November 16 and 17 at the AO Arena in Manchester before hosting the Roses at the National Indoor Sports Centre on November 25 and 26.

Henry is pleased with her team’s preparation for the series thus far.

“I think the preparation has gone fairly well. One of our main focuses was on our fitness, mental preparation and tactical plays. What we’re looking is to see hos well the girls will put all of those into play and be ready for the competition,” she said.

Guyana Harpy Eagles and Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners were robbed an opportunity to bounce back from opening defeats in the CG United Super50 Cup as their second contest ended in a no result due to inclement weather at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.

With the encounter initially reduced to 45 overs per side, the Harpy Eagles got their innings in and posted a competitive 271-7, thanks to a century from Canada-born Matthew Nandu (116), and half-centuries from captain Tevin Imlach (51) and Kemol Savory, who was left unbeaten on an even 50 off 42 balls.

Nandu’s knock came off 103 balls and included five sixes and seven fours, as he partnered with Imlach in a 123-run second wicket stand after Tagenarine Chanderpaul (13) went cheaply. Imlach struck five fours in his brisk 58-ball knock before he fell to Abhijai Mansingh, who also accounted for Kevlon Anderson (11).

Nandu and Savory then posted another 52 runs for the fourth wicket to keep the momentum going, but the former became the first of three quick wickets as the Marooners gradually pulled things back. Still, Savory pressed on in a dynamic knock that had two fours and one six to put the Harpy Eagles in a decent position.

Mikkel Govia (4-42) did the most damage for the Marooners with support from Mansingh (2-42).

The Marooners run chase started positively with Kamil Pooran (20) and Kieran Powell (8 not out) posting 32 for the first wicket before the rain had the final say after a mere 6.5 overs.

This no result means both teams are still left to play catch up, as the Harpy Eagles lost their first contest by one wicket to Windward Islands Volcanoes, while the Marooners went down by 60 runs to reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

The Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA) proudly announces the launch of Badminton Month, kicking off with the first-ever Jamaica Badminton Sport Summit on November 9, 2024.

This summit, designed to elevate the performance and knowledge of Jamaica’s aspiring athletes, will set the stage for a month filled with competitive events and educational initiatives aimed at advancing badminton at all levels in Jamaica.

JBA President Vishwanauth Tolan explained the driving force behind the summit, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to athlete development that goes beyond the game itself.

“It’s the first time we are hosting a summit like this. We’ve recognized that many of our athletes lack critical knowledge about the pathways necessary for reaching elite status. Often, young Jamaican players compete well at ages 12 to 14, but by 18, their regional counterparts have taken a different development path that includes essential aspects like brand building, physical and mental preparation, and understanding their roles in the sport,” Tolan said.

He highlighted that the gap between Jamaican athletes and their international peers stems partly from limited awareness among players, coaches, and parents.

“Parents may not realize the level of commitment and strategy required if their child is to become elite. The journey involves more than just weekly practice. For Jamaica to have a competitive presence internationally, we need a comprehensive approach that includes stakeholder support,” he added.

The summit will address critical areas of athlete development, featuring expert-led panel discussions on topics such as personal branding, physical conditioning, and the unique roles of coaches, managers, and family.

Among the featured speakers are Bruce James, who will provide insights into the role of an agent, and Owen Hill, who transformed the Jamaican Premier League, demonstrating how brand-building can attract sponsors.

Romone Robinson, social media influencer, entrepreneur, and former Jamaica national badminton player, and Dr. Patrice Simmonds will also engage participants.

Key sessions at the summit include: “Brand You: Crafting Your Legacy beyond the Field” – Focused on personal branding and social media strategy to enhance athlete visibility.

“Mind and Muscle: Fueling the Champion Within”– Addressing the interconnectedness of mental strength, nutrition, injury prevention, and peak performance.

“Mastering Your Role on the Elite Pathway” – A roadmap for athletes, coaches, agents, and family members to collaboratively build a winning strategy for success.

Jamaican discus silver medalist Fedric Dacres will join the “Mind and Muscle” panel, sharing his personal experiences on the significance of mental toughness and physical conditioning for achieving elite status.

The summit marks the start of an exciting Badminton Month, followed by the All Jamaica National Junior Championships from November 16-17. The All Jamaica National Junior and Open Championships will take place on November 23-24, and the inaugural Super Series Final on December 1, providing athletes at all levels an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against top talent.

As Jamaica’s official governing body for badminton, the JBA has long been committed to growing the sport and nurturing athletes who aspire to represent Jamaica internationally.

Through initiatives like the Jamaica Badminton Sport Summit, the JBA aims to build a solid foundation for Jamaica’s future stars, positioning the nation as a key competitor on the regional and global badminton stage.

In a bold move highlighting longstanding issues within the St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Football Federation, Koyana Horne has tendered her resignation from the Executive Council, citing concerns over governance and transparency.

Horne, who was elected in March for a four-year term on the executive council, led by president Otashie Spring, said she wanted to serve based on the promise of good governance, transparency, accountability, and football development.

As such, Horne expressed disappointment with the federation's approach to governance, noting a lack of both transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes. She added that her decision to resign with immediate effect reflects her commitment to personal integrity and to what she believes is in the best interest of SVG football.

“Please note that I did not take up the mantle to serve without careful thought, nor am I giving up at this point without the same careful considerations. However, I will like to maintain my sanity, integrity, and reputation at the end of the day. So allow me to express my disappointment in not being able to honour the period for which I was elected, and why,” Horne said in her letter, a copy of which was obtained by SportsMax.Tv.

“Too many questionable actions and decisions have not been sitting well with me. Though an elected member of the council, I feel ostracized from a lot of decision-making, and information sharing seems selective. As such, I don't think I am making or is allowed to make a real impact,” she added.

Horne pointed out that she witnessed persistent issues that, in her view, have hindered the growth and development of football in the islands. The first of those issues, she said, surfaced when Spring sought outside counsel from Mr Venold Coombs, whom he desired to have attend executive meetings.

She explained that though the president’s decision was met with rejection, he maintained that Coombs would serve as his personal advisor.

“Now, while I have no personal problems with Mr Coombs, in my humble opinion, a relationship of the sort seems reckless until clarity is given by/from the relevant authority about his permitted level of involvement in the administration of football," said Horne, who was the Chairperson of Match Commissioner, venue coordinator, and
field accreditation committee.

She continued: “Then there was segregation within the Council, the setting up of an executive within the executive, labelling it as an Emergency Committee, as opposed to simply having emergency meetings. Some council decisions were made without an invitation for all council members to part-take. My objections to this were futile and are made to seem conscientious with the addition of a fifth council member; even that in itself is another issue.

“The misrepresentation of the discussions held and agreements made at meetings is written as Council Minutes. Statements without context and paddings of unheard discussions comprise these legal documents, not to mention proclamations passed as decisions made.”

That said, Horne pointed to a lack of transparency and inefficient communication from the federation's hierarchy, leaving council members oblivious to the organization’s true financial standing, among other things.

“One may expect council members to know the financial status of the organization, but secrecy seems to be the order of the real powers that be. To date, only one monthly financial report has been shared with the entire executive council, yet extraordinary meetings are called to make decisions with great financial implications,” she argued.

“Communication is the icing on top of the cake. Internally, there seems to be a rationing of information on a 'need to know' basis. In attempts to question things so I could have clarity and understanding, too many of the things asked were left without answers or given partial responses. Information is received after the fact or from alternative sources (thank you to the many grapevines out there). The lack of trust is felt, but it goes both ways,” Horne said, adding that she will continue to lend her support and knowledge when and where possible.

Jamaica’s reigning Premier League champions Cavalier FC booked a spot in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final for a second consecutive year after they mauled Dominican Republic’s Moca FC 7-0 in a lopsided second leg semifinal tie at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

A hat-trick from Suriname's Shaquille Stein (6th, 45+3, 62nd) and a brace from Trinidad and Tobago’s Kaile Auvray (1st, 51st) did most of the damage for Cavalier, while Christopher Ainsworth (39th) and Dwayne Atkinson (79th) also got in on the act.

With the win, Cavalier, who lost last year’s final to Suriname’s Robinhood, now have a shot at redemption as they await the winner of the second semi-final between Dominican Republic’s Cibao FC and Haiti’s Real Hope in the showpiece. By virtue of making the final, Cavalier also secured a return to next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup.

Head coach Rudolph Speid was pleased but also surprised at the margin of victory, especially after being held to a goalless stalemate in the first leg.

“It was very pleasing. We didn’t expect to win by such a large margin; however, this is our third time playing them, so they aren’t strangers to us,” Speid said.

Cavalier wasted little time to make their intentions known as Auvray found the opener shortly after kickoff when he drove home a firm left-footer from a distance.

The Jamaican team struck again before Moca could regroup as Stein expertly headed home from Jalmaro Calvin’s weighted cross five minutes later.

Ainsworth extended the lead when he converted from the penalty spot as Moca FC’s custodian Miguel Baez was left flat-footed.

Stein then notched his second and Cavalier’s fourth with another comfortable finish as they went to the break 4-0 up.

With the writing on the wall, frustration set in, and Moca lost Baez and Jesus Correa to straight red cards and, as such, contested the second half with nine players.

Cavalier showed no mercy and made full use of the numerical advantage when Auvray completed his brace with another well-struck effort from outside the 18-yard box.

Stein completed his hat-trick soon after to move his tally to seven so far in the tournament, before Atkinson added his name to the scoresheet from the penalty spot 11 minutes from time.

Despite the loss, Moca FC still stand a chance of making the Champions Cup, provided they come out tops in the third-place playoff.

Glenmuir High School continues to assert their class in the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Wata daCosta Cup as they blanked Ocho Rios High 3-0 in a commanding performance in May Pen on Wednesday.

The victory, featuring goals from Orane Watson (18th), Nyron Allen (79th), and Nuemonie Blackwood (86th), extended Glenmuir’s impressive run in the competition. They sit comfortably atop the zone on six points, three points ahead of Ocho Rios and Dinthill Technical, while Happy Grove remains pointless, heading into Saturday’s final round of games.

Coach Andrew Peart praised his team’s discipline as they reinforced their status as serious contenders in this year’s daCosta Cup.

“It was a very controlled performance, much credit to our team. Credit also goes to Ocho Rios for not allowing a lot of space; you make it through the midfield lines, but they manage to collapse, and the defenders manage to protect the center of the field pretty well. In games like these, it is always good to find ways to score, and we did that by shooting from outside the box. So it was basically us being patient and waiting for the right moments,” Peart said in a post-game interview.

From the opening whistle, Glenmuir displayed confidence and cohesion, controlling the tempo of the game with crisp passes and quick transitions against a disciplined Ocho Rios defence. They went close in the fourth minute when Brandon Wallace got on target, but his effort was blocked on the line.

Ocho Rios responded immediately after with a brisk counterattack, but Keanu Reid’s effort was charged down by a recovering defender.

Glenmuir continued to press and again when Dusting Cohen found space inside the 18-yard box for a right-footed effort, which was denied by Maleek Martin’s outstretched leg.

However, their offensive persistence paid off in the 18th minute when Watson scored his 23rd goal of the season from the penalty spot after captain Ja-Son Whyte was taken out inside the red zone.

Ocho Rios, undeterred, mounted an attempt to level the score and should have done so in the 28th, but Reid, who had a clear look on goal, fired his effort high and wide, as Glenmuir remained 1-0 up at the break.

Glenmuir picked up where they left off on the resumption and had another close shave in the 52nd when Whyte’s shot from a distance was deflected and kissed the upright on the way out.

They eventually doubled the lead in the 79th minute, when Whyte struck another shot from distance that came off Allen’s back, leaving Martin well beaten.

Ocho Rios, struggling to keep up with Glenmuir’s Blackwood’s left-footer from way out, bettered Martin at his near post four minutes from time.

Head coach Veron Peterkin acknowledged that his Ocho Rios team was outplayed on the day.

“We made some little errors here and there and it cost us the game, but to be fair, Glenmuir had the better game and came out on top. When we had our chances we just weren’t decisive enough, so it was just one of those games,” he said.

Wednesday’s results

Munro College 2, Clarendon College 1

Glenmuir 3, Ocho Rios 0

McGrath High 1, Manchester High 0

Frome Technical 1, Cornwall College 0

Central High 1, Denbigh 0

Barbados Pride opened their CG United Super50 campaign on a strong note as they topped Jamaica Scorpions by 24 runs via the DLS method at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Wednesday.

Both teams entered the contest with hopes of securing early momentum in the tournament, but Barbados, on the back of a commanding 134-run partnership between Zachary McCaskie (63) and Leniko Boucher (73), posted a competitive 260-8 from their allotment.

Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican then grabbed 4-25 in eight overs, including a maiden, and Dominic Drakes (3-34) to dismiss the Scorpions for 199 in 35 overs.

Scores: Barbados Pride 260-8 (50 overs); Jamaica Scorpions 199 (35 overs)

Very little went the Scorpions way after they won the toss and opted to bowl first. Despite removing Kadeem Alleyne (16), they were made to toil as McCaskie and Boucher’s second-wicket stand provided a solid foundation for the Pride to build on.

McCaskie’s careful 91-ball knock, which included eight boundaries, was complemented by Boucher’s dynamic shot-making, as his 90-ball innings included nine boundaries and a solitary six. Together, they controlled the pace, accumulating runs while ensuring the Scorpions bowlers remained on the defensive, before both fell two runs apart.

McCaskie went first caught by Odean Smith off Brad Barnes, while Jeavor Royal, who earlier removed Alleyne, accounted for Boucher in the following over.

However, their efforts were backed up by a brisk 41 from captain Kyle Mayers, who was the aggressor in a 64-run fifth-wicket stand with Raymond Reifer (26). Mayers struck four boundaries and two maximums in his 30-ball knock as the Pride’s innings picked up further momentum, ensuring they reached a challenging total.

Marquino Mindley (3-43) was the pick of the Scorpions bowlers, with Royal (2-43) and Brad Barnes (2-46) also contributing.

With pressure on their batting line up to deliver, the Scorpions never really got going in their chase, as they lost Odain McCatty (one), captain John Campbell (26), Kirk McKenzie (12), and Carlos Brown (eight) in that order for just 58 runs.

In the face of this collapse, Jermaine Blackwood (40) and Brad Barnes (22) mounted a recovery, stabilizing the Scorpions’ innings with a gritty 58-run stand before rain halted their progress.

Blackwood, known for his powerful stroke play, brought experience to the fore, hitting two boundaries in a fairly patient 60-ball knock, while Barnes displayed poise in his 41-ball innings, working to rebuild under challenging conditions.

However, both fell shortly after the resumption of play and started another collapse. Only Odean Smith, with an aggressive 27-ball 45 including five sixes and two fours, offered some resistance at the backend, but the Scorpions ultimately fell short.

The win saw Barbados Pride into second position, joining leaders Leeward Islands Hurricanes, defending champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, and Windward Islands Volcanoes in the win column.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes defeated West Indies Academy by 142 runs in a game reduced to 47 overs per side at Queen's Park Oval.

Scores: Leeward Islands Hurricanes 236-7 (47 overs) - Justin Greaves 111 not out; West Indies Academy 94 (27.5 overs) -Rahkeem Cornwall 3-27, Daniel Doram  3-34