Many-time champions Jamaica College (JC) and St George’s College kicked off their Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association/Digicel Manning Cup campaigns in a positive manner as they blanked Pembroke Hall and Holy Trinity High School 9-0 and 2-0, respectively, on Tuesday.

Jamaica College were led by striker Giovannie Taylor, who scored in the fifth, 45th and 80th minutes. Nashordo Gibbs (39th and 64th) had a brace, while Javaun Mills (72nd), Dujoni Thompson (78th), and substitutes Jamone Howell (87th) and Keshaun-Lee Chin (90th) got the others in the lopsided affair that pleased head coach Davion Ferguson.

“You always want to start with a win because nine goals in any game is a big win, and that was what we wanted to do. The performance, in some parts, I think, was good, but we want to continue to improve and try as best as possible to focus on ourselves and not really look outside, as the external is out of our control,” Ferguson said.

“The aim is to give of our best ever year, so once we give our best, wherever that takes us, we will be satisfied. Our players have matured well, and so I think they will have a really good season,” he added.

Meanwhile, Matthew Spence (10th) and Payton Larmond (61st) did the damage for St George’s College in their comfortable win over neighbours Holy Trinity at Winchester Park.

Assistant coach Marcel Gayle is also anticipating more improvements from his North Street-based team as the season progresses.

“Kudos to the guys; I thought they played well, but I thought we could have been a little more assertive in the final third. We created a lot of opportunities but we needed to be a bit more patient. Nevertheless, the objective was met with three points and the clean sheet,” said Gayle.

Tuesday’s results

Hydel 9, Ardenne 0

Clan Carthy 0, Eltham 5

Ascot 1, Bridgeport 0

St George’s College 2, Holy Trinity 0

Norman Manley 0, St Catherine 3 (St Catherine awarded win as Norman Manley was deemed to have forfeited the game as a result of an unprepared pitch)

Wednesday’s fixtures

Kingston Technical vs Camperdown

Calabar vs Haile Selassie

Vauxhall vs STATHS

*All games are scheduled for 3:30pm

Dominican Republic maintained their positive start to the Concacaf Nations League campaign, while Bermuda is now on the board as both registered victories in the League B, Group D double-header at the ABFA Technical Center in Piggotts, Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday.

The Dominican Republic defeated Dominica 2-0 in a top-of-the-table clash, and Bermuda clipped hosts Antigua and Barbuda 1-0 to end the September window on a positive note.

With the win, Dominican Republic moved up to six points, three ahead of Bermuda and Dominica, while Antigua and Barbuda will head into the next window without a point.

Dominican Republic vs. Dominica

Having won their opening encounters, this contest was expected to be a closely contested affair, but it was the Dominican Republic who proved the better team on the day.

Ronaldo Vasquez broke the deadlock with a cheeky finish in the 11th minute.

Dorny Romero doubled the lead with 25th-minute strike that secured the points for Dominican Republic to boost their promotion hopes.

Antigua and Barbuda vs. Bermuda

Bermuda’s 1-0 scoreline marked their first victory Antigua and Barbuda in an official match for the first time since 1992.

Kane Crichlow found the all-important goal in the 56th minute as he dazzled defenders with nippy footwork on his way to slotting home.

Antigua and Barbuda battled hard and should have had the equaliser in the 87th, but Keon Greene hit a volleyed effort just wide of the target from deep inside the 18-yard box.

Meanwhile, Belize, Barbados, and St Kitts and Nevis remained atop their respective League groups in League C.

Belize edged Anguilla 1-0 courtesy of Jordy Polanco’s 26th-minute strike to sit comfortably atop Group B on six points. Anguilla (three) and Turks and Caicos Islands (zero) follow.

Barbados, through goals from Carl Hinkson (15th), Niall Reid-Stephen (86th) and Khalil Vanderpool-Nurse (90+3), topped US Virgin Islands 3-0 in Group A. Barbados now have six points, five ahead of Bahamas and US Virgin Islands with a point each.

Meanwhile, Tiquanny Williams with a brace in the 11th and 64th minutes, propelled St Kitts and Nevis to a 2-0 win over British Virgin Islands in Group C.

The win saw St Kitts and Nevis (six points) move three ahead of Cayman Islands (three points), as British Virgin Islands remain pointless.

Multiple-time Olympic and World Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is to be presented with the Keys to the City of Kingston by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).

The resolution to confer the honour on the sprint sensation was passed during today's meeting of the Council held in the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber, 24 Church Street, downtown Kingston.

Fraser-Pryce is widely revered as one of Jamaica's greatest athletes, with more than 22 years of stellar performance in the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 4x100 metre track events, and is the recipient of countless medals.

Moving the resolution, Councillor for the Hagley Park Division, Waynette Strachan, said the world-class athlete has made all of Jamaica proud and has transcended the boundaries of sport to become an icon, a symbol of hope, and an ambassador for Jamaica's rich and vibrant culture.

“To give Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce the Keys to Kingston is to acknowledge not only her incredible achievements as an athlete but her profound influence as a role model, mentor, and beacon of hope for all Jamaicans.

“In giving Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce the Keys to the City, we are not just honouring her past accomplishments; we're celebrating the promise of all that is yet to come. Her journey is far from over, and I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire, uplift, and break barriers for many years to come,” she said.

Born and raised in Waterhouse, Fraser-Pryce is a treasured citizen of Kingston and outstanding Jamaican.

She continues to give back to the community of her birth and notable charities through her Pocket Rocket Foundation.

Councillor for the Waterhouse Division, Bryon Lee Clarke, said Fraser-Pryce continues to be a beacon of hope for many Jamaicans, and “this gesture is more than deserving.”.

Councillor for the Stony Hill Division, Tosha Schwapp, described Fraser-Pryce as a “Jamaican gem and icon who is beloved for her tenacity.”.

Other Councillors who made contributions were Dennis Gordon, Eugene Kelly, Andrew Harris, and Jermaine Hyatt.

The presentation of the Keys to the City of Kingston is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the KSAMC.

It is being conferred on Fraser-Pryce in recognition of her sterling and iconic career in athletics over the years, which has positively influenced adoring fans in Jamaica and around the world, including many who continue to enjoy her enduring legacy.

A road in the community of Waterhouse will also be named in her honour.

Jamaica claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Honduras on Tuesday night, propelling them to the top of Group B in League A of the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League as the September match window concluded. The win secured Jamaica’s position as the group leader, while Nicaragua now sits in second place after their draw against Cuba.

In a tightly contested match at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa, the Reggae Boyz opened the scoring early in the second half when Honduras’ Denil Maldonado inadvertently scored an own goal in the 49th minute after Norman Campbell delivered a dangerous ball into the box.

However, Honduras quickly responded with an equalizer in the 50th minute, as David Ruiz finished from close range. Despite the quick turnaround, Jamaica continued to apply pressure, and in the 76th minute, Michael Antonio scored the match-winning goal from the penalty spot.

The victory puts Jamaica in first place with four points from two matches, giving them the edge in the group standings. Honduras, with one point, drops to third in the group, just one point off the top.

Elsewhere in the group, Cuba and Nicaragua played to a dramatic 1-1 draw at Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba. After dominating much of the first half, Cuba took the lead in the 42nd minute through a penalty converted by Karel Espino. The hosts came close to extending their lead in stoppage time, but Karel Pérez’s strike narrowly missed the far post.

Nicaragua, however, found a late equalizer in the 90th+7 minute, with Widman Talavera salvaging a point for his team. The result keeps Nicaragua level with Jamaica on four points but in second place due to tiebreakers. Cuba, with two points from consecutive draws, sits in third place.

In the final Group B matchup of the evening, Trinidad and Tobago and French Guiana played to a scoreless draw at Dwight Yorke Stadium in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago. Both teams created chances throughout the game, with Loïc Ball forcing a save from Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Denzil Smith in the 27th minute, while Daniel Phillips hit the woodwork with a long-range strike in the 39th minute for the hosts.

Despite the opportunities, neither team managed to score, with both goalkeepers recording clean sheets. The result gave French Guiana their second point of the campaign, while Trinidad and Tobago secured their first point.

As the September match window concluded, Jamaica leads Group B, with Nicaragua close behind in second place. Honduras, Cuba, French Guiana, and Trinidad and Tobago round out the group, as all teams look to improve their standings in the next round of matches.

 Captain Kieron Pollard smashed a rapid half-century under pressure to lift Trinbago Knight Riders to a four wicket victory over Saint Lucia Kings in an entertaining Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) clash at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.

After the Kings posted 187-6, the Knight Riders were well on track thanks to a belligerent 57 from 33 balls from Shaqkere Parris before stuttering in the middle overs.

 With 27 runs needed off 12 balls, Pollard (52 not out off 19 balls) whacked four sixes off seamer Matthew Forde in the penultimate over before the Knight Riders ran down the target with five balls remaining to inflict defeat on the Kings. The Knight Riders moved to a record of 2-1, while the Kings are 2-2.

 After being routed for just 100 by Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Kings paced their innings well after being sent in to bat.

 Opener Johnson Charles got the Kings off to a flier with two sixes in three balls to spoil the 23th birthday of quick Jayden Seales.

 Skipper Faf du Plessis also chanced his arm and was dropped twice before his middle stump was knocked over by left-arm spinner Waqar Salamkheil in the eighth over.

 The Kings went through a lull in the middle overs, with Sunil Narine enjoying the spin-friendly conditions to finish with 2/13 from four overs.

 But Roston Chase (56 not out from 40 balls) stepped up in the latter overs and powered the Kings to a strong total.

 The Knight Riders needed a fast start and Narine obliged before falling to debutant left-arm quick Khari Campbell, who picked up the wicket with his sixth delivery.

 But Campbell was brought back to earth when he misjudged a skier in a lucky let off for Jason Roy on 10. Campbell's confidence was shaken and he succumbed to an assault from a rampaging Parris who cracked a trio of sixes in the fifth over.

 Parris raced to 31 off 9 balls as the Knight Riders continued to soar above the required run rate. He fittingly hit a six to reach his half-century off 20 balls as the Knight Riders reached triple figures in the ninth over.

 But Parris was less assured against vicious short-pitched bowling from Alzarri Joseph and on 54 he gloved a rearing delivery only for wicketkeeper Tim Seifert to fumble the chance after diving forward.

 Parris' momentum was halted and a clever bowling change led to his downfall when spinner Noor Ahmad lured him into a false shot. Keacy Carty struggled for fluency and in the 17th over was brilliantly caught by substitute fielder David Wiese, who dived at long on to take a stunner.

 The pressure fell on Pollard, who kept his calm with his first CPL half-century since 2021 to leave the local fans once again stunned.

Arnett Gardens FC and Dream Entertainment have announced a groundbreaking partnership that will see the Dream Team providing strategic and managerial guidance to the club for the upcoming Jamaica Premier League (JPL) campaign and beyond.

Member of Parliament and chairman of Arnett Gardens, Mark Golding, explained that the partnership is aimed at providing financial stability and a more sustainable future for the club. This as the Dream Team’s expertise is expected to boost the brand and image of the South St Andrew-based club.

“I was seeking a commercial partner to guide strategy and manage the club forward to new revenue and achieve financial sustainability. Arnett has been a leading brand in football, a much-loved and much-supported club not just in the community where it is based, but the wider Jamaica and indeed the diaspora and beyond,” Golding said during a press conference on Monday.

“We were very happy to have met some like-minded business people at Dream Entertainment who have established themselves in the field of entertainment as innovators,” he added.

Like Golding, Scott Dunn, group managing director of Dream Entertainment, pointed out that the partnership will be mutually beneficial, as it provides a greater platform for Arnett to reap success on and off the field of play, as well as an avenue for the Dream Team to expand their influence.

“Football is entertainment, and we believe we can improve upon that entertainment product. The entertainment value of coming to an Arnett Gardens football match is going to be bigger and better.

“Anything I do, I am all in, and my team is definitely the same way. This is not something that is periphery or a side thing for Dream Entertainment, this is now a primary part of our business,” Dunn shared.

He continued: “Arnett Gardens is an iconic community. From Junior Reid singing about Jungle to a million artists thereafter, it is a big community and the surrounding communities as well. Trench Town, in terms of tourism, is a bigger brand than Kingston.

“For the fans in the community, this is something that is going to build the community. For the fans internationally and those who are already with Arnett, this is going to rebuild that excitement and bring in a whole host of new fans.”

Jonathan Grant High took the early lead in Zone B of the 2024 ISSA Manning Cup thanks to a 9-0 hammering of Gaynstead High at the Papine High School field on Monday.

The 1999 Walker Cup champions lead defending Manning Cup title holders Mona High by two goals on goal difference after the first round of matches in Zone B.

In the other Zone B game on Monday, three-time Manning Cup champions Charlie Smith defeated Tarrant High 4-0 at Jacisera Park.

In Zone C, 16-time winners Kingston College had a disappointing start to their season with a 2-2 draw against Penwood High at Maverley Field.

Campion College took the early lead in Zone C thanks to a 4-0 win over Cumberland High at Cumberland while Jose Marti scored a big win of their own, 5-2 over Meadowbrook at Meadowbrook, to slot in at second on goal difference.

Tivoli Gardens High took the early lead in Zone D thanks to a 4-1 win over Denham Town High at Tivoli.

10-time Manning Cup winners Wolmer’s Boys also opened their season with a win, 3-1 over St. Jago High at St. Jago.

St. Mary’s College and Edith Dalton James High played out a 1-1 draw in the day’s other Zone D encounter.

Haiti and St Lucia maintained pole position in their respective League B groups as they registered their second win of the Concacaf Nations League campaign, while Curacao and Puerto Rico notched their first victories on Monday.

St Lucia edged Grenada 2-1, while Curacao blanked St Martin 4-0 in the Group B double-header at Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St. George's.

With the win, St Lucia moved to six points as Curacao rose to second on three points, same as Grenada, who slipped to third. St Martin is the only team in the group yet to get on the board.

Meanwhile, Haiti hammered St Maarten 6-0 and Puerto Rico clipped Aruba 1-0 in their Group C encounters at Estadio Centroamericano in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.

Haiti now sit on six points and Puerto Rico inched up to second on three points, same as third-placed St Maarten, while Aruba remains at the foot of the standing without a point.

Curacao vs. St Martin

Curacao’s clinical victory over St Martin, kept their hopes of League A promotion alive.

Juninho Bacuna opened the scoring in the 10th minute when he outpaced defenders and slotted home on a transition play.

Gervane Kastaneer doubled the lead in the 13th when he converted on a second attempt after his initial shot was blocked.

Leandro Bacuna added a third in the 48th with a firm finish from deep inside the 18-yard box, before Joshua Zimmerman headed home from a weighted cross in the 65th minute to cap the win.

Haiti vs. St Maarten

Favoured to top Group C and reclaim their rightful spot in League A, Haiti moved closer to achieving the feat with another dominant performance.

Duckens Nazon led from the front with a second half hat-trick, while substitute Mikael Cantave had a brace.

Attys Christopher opened the scoring in the 40th when he headed home from a corner kick.

From there, it became the Nazon show, as he also headed home in the 59th minute, with his second and third coming in the 75th and 82nd minutes, respectively.

Cantave chipped in with strikes in the 77th and 85th minutes as St Martin had no response to the onslaught.

Grenada vs. Saint Lucia

This was always expected to be a close contest and it lived up to its billing with St Lucia denying their host.

Christian Forino Joseph broke the deadlock for St Lucia in the 13th when he got on the end of Alvinus Myers’ well-weighted corner kick.

Donavan Jn Baptiste then capitalised on Grenada’s defensive error to double the lead in the 21st minute.

Grenada pulled one back in the 51st courtesy of Lucas Akins.

St Lucia’s goalkeeper Vino Barclett was instrumental in his team’s victory as he pulled off six saves to deny Grenada an equalizer.

Aruba vs. Puerto Rico

Leandro Antonetti was the hero for host Puerto Rico in a tightly contested encounter.

Antonetti found the winner in the 73rd with a firm header to break their opponent’s hearts.

Jamaica’s senior Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren acknowledges that getting his first win in their second League A Group B Concacaf Nations League encounter away to Honduras will by no means be easy, but he remains optimistic about a positive outcome in Tegucigalpa on Tuesday.

Game time is 9:00pm Jamaica time.

Coming off a frustrating goalless draw against Cuba at home, McClaren knows his team must find a way to bounce back if they want to remain in contention for a quarterfinal spot, as they sit fourth on a point. Honduras and Nicaragua head the standings with three points each.

Only the top two teams will secure quarterfinal spots, as well as spots in the next edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup.

While he has no doubt in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion in the crucial encounter, McClaren did not shy away from the reality of the difficult task ahead, especially in hostile territory.

“Coming here for us is a big challenge, a huge challenge and one which I expect my players to accept and to deal with and we work to get a result,” McClaren said in a pre-match press conference. 

“That's three points. It's a step towards qualification for the quarterfinals and that's still the target. We played one game and we played very well, even though we didn't get the result. We need to really play well tomorrow (Tuesday) and fight as a team to get a result to put us back in contention to qualify,” he added.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances in their opening contest against Cuba, the Jamaicans failed to convert, leaving McClaren feeling they could have done more to secure the win.

It is for that reason why he believes that the key to success against Honduras will be to maintain their composure, execute their game plan, and, more importantly, take advantage of scoring opportunities when they arise.

The two teams last met at the National Stadium in 2023, when Jamaica won 1-0 courtesy of Demarai Gray’s strike. Prior to that in 2021, Jamaica bettered the Central Americans 2-0 in their own backyard, a feat they will be hoping to repeat against Reinaldo Rueda’s side on this occasion.

“It will be a very difficult game. I think Honduras has progressed from the years that Jamaica played them; they are a better team now than they were a year ago and results show that. But we take it one game at a time and we take tomorrow (Tuesday) night as the next one,” McClaren said.

“It is the most important one. Every game we plan to win, we prepare to win. We don't prepare to lose or to draw. We prepare accordingly to say how can we be successful, so that's what we have to do and hopefully the performance will get the result,” the Englishman noted.

A victory against Honduras would not only boost Jamaica’s chances of advancing in the Nations League but would also serve as a morale booster for a team hungry for success on the international stage. McClaren knows that the team has the potential to compete with the best in the region, but results will ultimately define their campaign.

“One of the reasons I came to Jamaica was because it is a very talented nation. I know that they've got talented players both on the island and off the island... heritage players playing around Europe in the big leagues. So it is a combination of the two—good coaching program and good academies in Jamaica that are developing,” McClaren reasoned.

“These will develop the players, and the Jamaican players will become very, very attractive to the big clubs in Europe in years to come. Because the coach education program is going on, facilities are being built, and local players are getting exposure to the national team. So I think the future for Jamaican football is very bright,” the tactician ended.

Jamaican middle-distance runner Adelle Tracey is determined to return stronger after an injury hampered her 2024 Paris Olympic campaign, preventing her from making the finals of both the 800m and 1500m. Despite this disappointment, Tracey, who switched her allegiance to Jamaica in 2022 after representing Great Britain, remains motivated and focused on the future. She is eager to build on her recent successes, including breaking Jamaica's 1500m national record at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Tracey’s Olympic season was derailed by a plantar fascia tear that first occurred in May. The injury, which she sustained just before the start of the season, forced her to make significant adjustments to her preparation. “The tear first happened, actually in May. I was supposed to compete at the Diamond League in Eugene, and that was going to be one of my first races of the season. And literally the week before, I tore it in training. I couldn’t walk for a good week after that happened,” she explained.

Despite the setback, Tracey remained hopeful and kept pushing her season opener back while cross-training to maintain her fitness. “The whole time, I was cross training really hard because I was in great shape in May, just before I did it, so I was really kind of positive that I would hold on to some of that fitness,” she said. However, the pain from the injury persisted, especially with the demands placed on her foot. “It was just really tough because when it's a foot injury, there's no avoiding the pain because you put so much force through your feet,” she said, her anguish apparent.

At the Jamaican trials, Tracey pushed herself to compete in spikes for the first time since her injury, despite not being fully ready. “I set myself back a little bit at the Jamaican trials, having to put myself in spikes so early, but obviously I wanted to make sure that I secured automatic qualification for the Olympics,” she shared.

Reflecting on the mental challenge of competing while injured, Tracey admitted it was one of the toughest experiences of her career. “It’s so tough, especially the timing of this one, probably the hardest challenge I’ve had to overcome in sport,” she revealed. ” I worked harder than I’ve ever worked to get to that start line and be able to get round. So there was a lot of pride in even making it there and being able to put on spikes that week.”

Despite not being at her best, Tracey remained focused on giving her all in Paris. “My main goal was to race my best race. I just wanted to come away thinking, okay, I’ve actually done everything I could there, and I know that that's going to be so much easier when I'm healthy.”

While her Olympic campaign didn’t go as planned, Tracey’s earlier achievement at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest was a reminder of her talent and potential. In Budapest, she broke Yvonne Graham’s 28-year-old Jamaican 1500m record, clocking 3:58.77 in the semi-finals to become the first Jamaican woman to run under four minutes in the event. That performance solidified her status as a rising star in Jamaican athletics.

Now out of the boot that she had worn to protect her injury, Tracey has begun the rehabilitation process and is feeling optimistic about the future. “With a plantar fascia tear, it's just a case of healing. I wasn’t able to give it time to heal because I was trying to prepare for the Olympics, but now it's just a case of letting it heal. Now that I’ve come out of the boot, it’s about getting strong again and making sure that I have the proportions in place so that that doesn’t happen again,” she explained.

Tracey is already looking ahead to her recovery and the coming season. “I’ll start my rehab program, and I think I’ll probably do two weeks of strength and conditioning before I’ll be able to start returning to running. It might be like two minutes on, one minute off sort of running, and we’ll just build that back up.”

Despite the challenges, Tracey remains driven to return to competition in even better shape. “I think I’m more motivated than ever to kind of get back to where I was and beyond that,” she said. “I’ve got my sights set on the indoors as well because of not having the opportunities to have raced as much this year. I know I’ll be back running by the end of September, so actually, I’m ahead of schedule in terms of preparations for next year.”

In today's fast-paced and competitive sports environment, where an athlete’s brand can be just as valuable as their on-field performance, mastering media skills has become essential for career success. Recognizing the importance of effective communication in sports, media expert Stacy-Ann Smith is calling for increased media training and branding for developing athletes, particularly in Jamaica.

Speaking at the recently launched "Malta Holistic Workshop," an initiative spearheaded by Malta in collaboration with Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), Smith, with nearly 25 years of industry expertise, emphasized the critical role media training plays in shaping an athlete’s public image and opening doors to greater opportunities.

"Any youngster serious about pursuing a path to success should be keen to show up well—on and off the field," Smith said. "Being able to handle media interviews is just as important as good sportsmanship. In an ever-shrinking world where interviews and videos can go viral at the speed of light, a well-done interview can position an athlete for huge opportunities—be they scholarships, contracts, or endorsements."

Smith pointed to several athletes who have used effective media communication to enhance their brand and public image, such as Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles. "Whether that image is loveable—like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce—or makes them the guy everyone loves to hate—like Noah Lyles—how an athlete presents themselves creates an impression that increases visibility and often translates to bigger, more valuable contracts," she explained.

Beyond the immediate financial rewards, Smith highlighted how strong media skills can extend an athlete's career well into retirement, with many former athletes transitioning into roles as commentators, analysts, or securing lucrative endorsement deals that involve public appearances and speaking engagements.

Smith urged sports organizations and educational institutions to integrate media training into their development programmes, saying, "Athletes and sports organisations need to prioritise media training as a foundational skill. Brands that recognise the value of strong partnerships and endorsement deals should invest in media training to expand the pool of athletes they can leverage for marketing campaigns."

Owen Hill, CEO of the PFJL, echoed Smith’s call for press training in youth development programmes. "Media training equips our athletes with the tools they need to effectively communicate their stories and represent themselves and their clubs with professionalism. With the support of Malta's partnership and initiatives like the Holistic Workshop, we are equipping our footballers with essential media skills. This not only strengthens their brands but also elevates the profile of Jamaican football as a whole."

Looking to the future, Smith envisions Jamaica becoming a global hub for sports commentators and analysts. "If we are deliberate about it, Jamaica can become known not just as the 'sprint factory of the world,’ but also as a ‘global curator of sports commentators’—churning out analysts who are knowledgeable, witty, and engaging speakers that can enthrall audiences anywhere in the world."

With initiatives like the Malta Holistic Workshop, Jamaica is taking steps towards that goal, empowering young athletes with the skills they need to succeed both on and off the field.

The Jamaica Football Federation, in a release on Monday, expressed their gratitude to fans for their support in attendance at Jamaica’s opening game of the 2024/2025 season of the CONCACAF Nations League against Cuba at the National Stadium on Friday.

CONCACAF Officials reported an attendance of over 17,000 which is the highest attendance for a Reggae Boyz game at the National Stadium since 2019 when they played Honduras.

President of the Jamaica Football Federation Michael Ricketts gave some remarks on this feat.

“It was such a pleasant sight to see a sea of black, green and gold in the National Stadium on Friday night. You could definitely feel the energy in the support and every time Jamaica was in possession, the 12th man was behind the team. It certainly is a great stepping stone for future home games to come.”

The Reggae Boyz will next be in action on Tuesday September 10, 2024 against Honduras in Tegucigalpa.

The next home game for the Reggae Boyz will be Monday October 14, 2024 against Honduras at the National Stadium.

“Tickets for this game are slated to go on sale on Friday September 13, 2024. The Public are encouraged to buy their tickets as soon as possible. For the match against Cuba, the Grandstand tickets were sold out. Once again thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you all at our next home game,” the release concluded.

El Salvador and St Vincent and the Grenadines emerged victorious in their respective matches on Sunday as the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League B continued at Stadion Antonio Trenidat in Rincon, Bonaire. Both teams solidified their positions at the top of Group A, with El Salvador maintaining their perfect start to the campaign and St Vincent and the Grenadines picking up their first win.

St Vincent and the Grenadines earned a crucial 2-0 victory over Montserrat, marking their first win of the current campaign. Cornelius Stewart opened the scoring in the 15th minute after receiving a long ball from Bishon Richards, calmly slotting the ball past the Montserrat goalkeeper. Stewart, the Vincy Heat’s all-time scorer in the CONCACAF Nations League, continues his impressive form, having scored in every edition of the tournament.

Montserrat had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 60th minute when Brandon Barzey stepped up for a penalty kick. However, St Vincent and the Grenadines goalkeeper Lemus Christopher made a crucial save to maintain his team’s lead. Diel Spring sealed the win in the 88th minute, with Stewart providing the assist for the second goal.

Christopher’s five saves ensured a clean sheet for St Vincent and the Grenadines, as they secured all three points to stay in contention for promotion.

El Salvador retained their spot at the top of Group A with a 2-1 victory over Bonaire. The Salvadorans, who are eyeing a return to League A, finished September with two wins from two matches for a perfect six-point start.

The first half looked set to end goalless until an own goal by Bonaire’s Quincy Hoeve off a Nelson Blanco corner gave El Salvador the lead in the 45th+3 minute. El Salvador doubled their advantage in the 60th minute with a well-executed passing sequence that set up Emerson Mauricio for a simple finish, his second goal of the tournament.

Bonaire pulled one back in stoppage time, with Jort van der Sande heading home a corner in the 90th+1 minute, but it wasn’t enough to deny El Salvador the win.

With these results, El Salvador remains on top of Group A with six points, while St Vincent and the Grenadines sit second with four points. Bonaire follows in third with one point, and Montserrat is in fourth place without a point after the September matches.