Tiffany Langley’s netball journey has been marked by years of dedication, disappointment, and unwavering perseverance.

So, as she prepares to represent Jamaica for the first time as part of the Sunshine Girls squad to the Fast5 Netball World Series in New Zealand, Langley views her inclusion as a hard-earned opportunity for redemption and a stepping stone toward becoming a staple in the senior setup.

Langley’s selection for the November 9-10 tournament comes as a welcome reward after years of near misses at the youth level. She has been on the fringes of the national programme since her early teens, as she trained diligently with both the Under-16 and Under-21 teams.

Yet, despite her efforts, she narrowly missed out on making the final cut for international tournaments—experiences that could have easily derailed a young athlete’s confidence. But for Langley, those setbacks only fueled her desire to push harder and prove herself worthy.

“This opportunity means everything to me. It’s something I’ve been working towards for years, and I guess I can say my hard work has now paid off because being a part of a national team to represent my country is a dream come true,” Langley shared.

“Missing out on the Under-16 and Under-21 squads at that point was tough, but I never gave up. So for this opportunity to come at this point in my career, it gives me the confidence that I was lacking before to keep pushing forward, and now I’m excited to see what the future holds for me,” she told SportsMax.Tv.

For Langley, her selection to the Sunshine Girls’ Fast5 squad—a variation of netball known for its fast-paced style and tactical intensity—marks a turning point in her career.

Though Fast5 is different from the traditional 7-a-side format, the 24-year-old believes the condensed format suits her skill set and will allow her to showcase her versatility on the court.

“It’s a different game in many ways, but it’s also an opportunity to test yourself under pressure. I’ve been working hard on my speed, agility, and decision-making, and I’m mentally and physically ready to give it my all,” Langley shared.

“Mentally, I reassured myself that I’m good enough to be a part of this team and capable enough to get the job done. Physically, I am working extremely hard to better my skills in training to ensure that I deliver when I am called upon,” she added.

Langley, who started her netball journey at Gaynstead High School before transitioning to GC Foster College, believes her story is one of perseverance and resilience, as she is of the view that many athletes, when faced with repeated setbacks, might have opted to hang up their boots. However, the bubbly player’s love for the sport and her dream of representing Jamaica at the highest level kept her motivated.

Now with the opportunity there for the taking, Langley’s goal is to make a strong impression during the Fast5 tournament to show selectors that she can be a valuable asset for the team in both short and long formats of the game.

If she can deliver on her promise, she hopes this will be the first of many senior appearances.

“I’m not just happy to be here; I’m determined to make an impact. This isn’t just about making my debut; it’s about establishing myself as a player for the future. I want to be a part of the senior team for years to come, so this is just the beginning. I want to use this chance to learn, grow, and cement my place in the squad,” Langley asserted.

While they might find the going tough in New Zealand, Langley, a wing-attack, who is set to play centre at the tournament, is confident that the Dalton Hinds and Nardia Hanson-coached team has enough talent to cause some problems.

“I rate our chances highly. I love the work everyone is putting in at training; I love the camaraderie among us, and I’m so excited to see what this competition has to offer, as I am sure we all want to keep improving to be consistent in making more Sunshine Girls teams,” Langley ended.

Jamaica’s Cavalier FC and Haitian outfit Real Hope FC confirmed their spots in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup semi-finals after comfortable 4-1 and 2-0 wins over Jamaican clubs Arnett Gardens and Mount Pleasant FA in their final Group A fixtures on Thursday.

A brace from Jalmaro Calvin (35th and 71st) and one each from Shaquille Stein (29th) and Dwayne ‘Busy’ Atkinson (59th) brought Cavalier from behind to top Arnett Gardens, who took an early ninth-minute lead through captain Shai Smith.

With the win, Cavalier, the reigning Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions, consolidated the top spot with nine points, one ahead of Real Hope, who had a brace from Angelo Exilus (12th and 77th) to deny Mount Pleasant in the battle for the runner-up position.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Police FC (five points), Mount Pleasant (four points), and Arnett Gardens (one point) completed the table.

Cavalier will square off against Dominican Republic’s Moca FC in one semi-final, while Real Hope will lock horns against the other Dominican Republic outfit, Cibao FC, in the other. The semifinal date is yet to be confirmed.

Despite already having a spot in the final four, Cavalier FC were in no mood to relent and duly took apart Arnett Gardens at the National Stadium.

It was Arnett Gardens though that showed more purpose at the start as they sought to salvage some pride to end their campaign on a high. The ‘Junglists’ seemed on their way to achieving that feat when Smith connected with a pass from Marlon Allen and fired past Vino Barclett inside 10 minutes.

However, Xavier Gilbert’s side lost focus after taking the lead and were completely outplayed by Cavalier, who pulled level through Stein, who met Atkinson’s corner kick and slotted home at Roje Williams’ near post.

Real Hope's Angelo Exilus celebrate one of his two goals against Mount Pleasant.

Calvin then put Cavalier in front six minutes later with a tidy header past Williams from Jaheem Frazer’s weighted cross as they went to the break 2-1 up.

Cavalier picked up where they left off after the interval as Atkinson won possession deep in Arnett Gardens quarters and rounded the hapless Williams to slot home his team’s third.

Calvin later completed his brace with a tidy right-footed finish to cap Cavalier’s victory.

Meanwhile, a short distance away at Sabina Park, Mount Pleasant were also slow to get into stride, but unlike Cavalier, they couldn’t get back to Real Hope.

After Daniel Saint Fleur’s fourth-minute effort came back off the left upright, Exilus eventually broke the deadlock for the visitors with an easy tap-in from Watz Leazard’s pass.

Mount Pleasant tried to mount a comeback and had two decent efforts through Devonte Campbell and Sue-Lae McCalla in the 33rd and 49th minutes, but Real Hope’s custodian Gooly Elien came up big on both occasions to deny their host.

Raheem Edwards also went close for Mount Pleasant in the 70th, but he too failed to beat Elien’s glove.

With the equaliser proving elusive for Mount Pleasant, Exilus eventually found another open and made no mistakes from close range to secure the crucial win for his team.

The Duhaney Park Red Sharks have solidified their status as a rugby league powerhouse, clinching their 10th National Club Championship (NCC) title in Jamaica with a dramatic 17-16 victory over the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Warriors. This victory at the UWI Mona Bowl also marks the Red Sharks' eighth consecutive Grand Finals win, underscoring their dominance in Jamaican rugby league.

 The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish. JDF made an explosive start, taking a 9-0 lead within the first 15 minutes thanks to winger Shezorye Thompson, who scored a try and two goals, complemented by a drop goal from center Demar Williams. Duhaney Park responded in the 20th minute when loose forward Owen Linton crossed the try line, though Ryan Grant's missed conversion left the Red Sharks trailing 4-9 at halftime.

 The second half saw JDF further extend their lead to 15-4 through a brilliant try by Jowayne Forbes, who made a break from his own half, evading six defenders to score in the right corner. This play was considered the try of the game, putting immense pressure on the Red Sharks. However, Duhaney Park gradually clawed their way back into contention. Prop Khamisi McKain scored a try under the posts, and Grant converted to reduce the deficit to 10-15.

 In the 64th minute, back-rower Jenson Morris closed the gap even further, scoring an unconverted try in the left corner to make it 14-15. JDF then managed a drop goal from Thompson, nudging their lead to 16-14. However, Duhaney Park kept their composure, with Grant slotting a crucial penalty eight minutes from time to level the scores at 16-16.

 The game seemed destined for extra time until veteran scrum-half Chevaughn Bailey stepped up in the 78th minute, sealing the win with a perfectly executed drop goal from 30 meters out. The late score sent Duhaney Park fans into ecstatic celebrations, as the team secured a hard-fought victory.

 Duhaney Park's head coach Roy Calvert praised the JDF for their performance, describing the final as the toughest game in recent seasons. “This final is probably the hardest game we have had in two to three seasons. Kudos to the Army for a great fight. I am proud of my boys, especially our youngsters, who really stood up. It’s our 20th year as a club, and getting the win means a lot to us,” Calvert said.

 JDF’s coach Sergeant Kemar Catwell commended his team’s resilience against the defending champions. “My team showed a lot of character against a very good Red Sharks team. We had our chances, and if we had taken them, it might have been a different outcome. Hats off to Duhaney Park; champions find a way to win, but JDF will be back stronger,” Catwell remarked.

 In the third-place playoff, the Washington Bulls edged out the St. Catherine Thundercats 3-2 on kicks after regular time ended with both teams tied at 10-10.

Scorers

Duhaney Park Red Sharks: Tries by Owen Linton, Khamisi McKain, and Jenson Morris; goals by Ryan Grant (2); drop goal by Chevaughn Bailey.

JDF Warriors: Tries by Shezwayne Thompson and Jowayne Forbes; goals by Shezwayne Thompson (3); drop goal by Demar Williams.

As two of the founding clubs of rugby league in Jamaica celebrate their 20th anniversary, this thrilling match serves as a testament to the fierce rivalry and competitive spirit that defines the sport on the island.

Despite achieving much of what she set out to already, Reggae Girl and Manchester City striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw intends to keep pushing the barriers and she hopes to inspire others to chase their dreams.

Shaw, who has overcome her fair share of obstacles and tragedies to get to where she is at, has been a role model for young athletes in Jamaica and the Caribbean, particularly aspiring women’s football players, as she continues to impress on the international stage and in the Women's Super League (WSL) since her move to City in 2021.

The 27-year-old ended last season as the WSL’s top scorer, assisting the Gareth Taylor-coached side to the runners-up position behind champions Chelsea, merely on goal difference.

Her performances throughout that campaign, which was cut short by a broken leg, also saw her cop the PFA Women's Players' Player of the year and the FWA Women's Footballer of the Year awards.

"When I look back at my childhood, I didn’t really have a lot of people I could look to, apart from Usain Bolt, of course. I didn’t have a lot of people who I could look to and say, ‘I want to be like that.’ One of the main reasons was that I wasn’t really allowed to play," Shaw said in an interview with BBC Sport.

“Now, looking at where the game is and where it is going, I think there is more room for that. For me, it’s just being alive and being in the moment. It’s staying true to who I am. Hopefully, by doing that each and every day, it works out in the end,” she added.

Black History Month in England, celebrated throughout the month of October, continues to shine a spotlight on athletes who have broken barriers to achieve success.

With her accolades and accomplishments speaking for themselves, Shaw is aiming to continue setting the standard for others to follow.

"I just try to be the best I can be and hope that by doing that, there are others looking on [who can] see that if I can do it, then it’s possible. Hopefully I can inspire a lot of the young girls back home in Jamaica that it is definitely possible,” the two-time Ballon d'Or award nominee shared.

"It’s been a long journey for me. I had to travel around the world to get here. Now I am here, I’m just embracing the moment and loving every part of it. The ups and downs are parts of life and that’s how you grow as a person. But I just try to be the best that I can and hopefully inspire more girls,” Shaw noted.

Yohan Blake, the 2011 World 100m champion and the second-fastest man in history over both the 100m and 200m, is gearing up for his latest business venture—this time in the United States. The Jamaican sprinting icon is set to take ownership of a Butcher’s Barrel franchise in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, expanding his entrepreneurial footprint beyond the track.

The highly rated Butcher’s Barrel is known for sourcing the finest USDA Choice, Prime, and wagyu beef. The restaurant’s dinner menu boasts a variety of premium dishes, including the Delmonico ribeye, foie gras burger, Colorado bison burger, and Nebraska wagyu burger, making it a go-to destination for steak lovers.

Blake, who in October 2023 launched the Revierie Purified Water brand in Kingston, has been venturing into various business opportunities as he plans for life after athletics. The Butcher’s Barrel marks his first major restaurant venture in the United States.

“If you’re in Florida, come have dinner with me on October 8th, reserve your table early or just come by,” Blake posted on Instagram on Sunday. The post accompanied a brief video where Blake personally invited patrons to the restaurant, saying, "You’re officially invited to my restaurant launch on October 8th in Fort Lauderdale. Come on down."

As he transitions from his illustrious career on the track to life as a businessman, Blake's latest venture signals his growing focus on expanding his brand and interests beyond sport. Fans and food lovers alike are now eagerly anticipating the launch of the Butcher’s Barrel in Fort Lauderdale, where Blake will bring his signature energy to the world of fine dining.

Defending champions Cavalier SC delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over a 10-man Waterhouse FC at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday, climbing to the top of the Jamaica Premier League standings. Early goals from Jalmaro Calvin and Dwayne Atkinson sealed the win, leaving Waterhouse struggling after goalkeeper Kemar Foster was sent off in the first half.

Cavalier wasted little time asserting their dominance. Calvin fired the opening goal in the 12th minute after Atkinson skillfully turned his defender inside out and set up Calvin to score from six yards out. The defending champions nearly doubled their lead in the 24th minute, but Adrian Reid Jr couldn’t convert a free kick from close range.

Waterhouse’s fortunes worsened in the 32nd minute when a poor back pass from Nickoy Christian forced goalkeeper Kemar Foster into a last-ditch tackle outside the box, resulting in a straight red card. With substitute goalkeeper John Wilson brought on, the pressure mounted. Just three minutes after entering the game, Wilson's pass from the back was intercepted by Atkinson, who slotted home to make it 2-0.

Atkinson nearly added a third goal two minutes before halftime, rattling the crossbar after more defensive errors from Waterhouse. Despite being a man down, Waterhouse showed resilience in the second half, with Elvis Wilson coming close to pulling one back with a towering header that Cavalier’s goalkeeper Vino Barclett had to save at full stretch.

However, Cavalier continued to exploit Waterhouse’s defensive lapses, with Shaquille Stein hitting the post in the 55th minute after another error at the back. Waterhouse failed to mount a significant comeback, and Cavalier comfortably saw out the match to claim their second win of the season.

The victory lifts Cavalier to seven points, one ahead of Harbour View, who secured a 2-1 victory over Molynes United earlier in the day.

Elsewhere, Humble Lion were left frustrated after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Vere United at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. Dominating much of the match despite the wet conditions, Humble Lion took the lead in the 73rd minute through a penalty from Karim Bryan after Vere defender Michael Forbes was sent off for bringing down Andre Clennon in the box.

However, Vere, despite being a man down, fought back in the dying moments of the game. Substitute schoolboy Kishane Gordon found the back of the net in stoppage time, slotting home after a neat pass from Josiah Daniel to snatch a point for Vere United.

Harbour View made their return to their home ground at Compound a successful one, securing a 2-1 win over Molynes United. The victory moves Harbour View to six points, just behind Cavalier on the Jamaica Premier League table.

In the late game on Sunday, Arnett Gardens and Racing United played to a exciting 1-1 draw.

With the inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Championships fast approaching, Barbados head coach Alison Jackson expressed cautious optimism about her team’s chances of topping rivals at the event, which will be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Jamaica.

Jackson, a long-time coach of Flip Gym, shared her views shortly after a 15-member team was named to represent the Barbados Gymnastics Association (BAGA) at the November 29-30 event.

She believes that despite Barbados being represented internationally at various levels over the years, the island is still yet to reach its full potential, and that scope for growth is again evident where team selection is concerned.

"Well, I have to say that we are at a disadvantage in terms of athlete selection. I’m the only one that offers a competitive programme at the moment, so all of the gymnasts have been selected from my gym through my staff. We sat and discussed and looked at results for the season to make our recommendations to the association about who we think our top athletes are going to be at each level,” Jackson said.

“Trinidad is ahead of us in terms of how long they’ve had organised gymnastics classes going. So Trinidad alone has 17 clubs to choose from. So our group is very small, we only have 15 girls going, but we’ve picked the best of our 15 girls. So I expect to definitely be coming back with some medals for Barbados,” she added.

The Carifta Gymnastics Championships, which has been under consideration for years now, will now come to fruition, with teams from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Aruba, The Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands set to take part.

“It’s finally happening. Jamaica is hosting the first one, and we are going to be having most of the countries in our region follow the USA’s developmental programme, which is level-based,” Jackson, a former vice president of BAGA, shared.

“So there’s 10 levels, so they’re going to have that, as well as elite level gymnastics, which is the International Gymnastics Federation or FIG level gymnastics. So there’ll be two streams, which is great because not all of the islands have elite level gymnasts as yet. So we’ll give all the kids who are eligible an opportunity to compete and represent their country at the Carifta Games at whatever level they’re at,” she explained.

That said, Jackson expressed hope that the advent of a regional competition for gymnastics will show people that Caribbean kids have other possible pathways to excel on the international stage.

“We’re hoping that it will broaden everybody’s horizons and bring more awareness to gymnastics generally within our own island and across the Caribbean. I’ve been coaching kids in Barbados for years. I’ve taken kids to the USA; I’ve taken them to training camps with the US national team coaches. I mean, we’ve done lots of stuff, but everyone’s just thinking this is only starting now. But it’s been going on for a long time, so it’s just getting it out there and getting more recognition,” Jackson noted.

Barbados team: Jazara Lavine, Ciara Freeman, Za’Nyah Bostic-White, Daniella Small, Juliette Sonny, Mariah Gill, Cyrina Walcott-Lloyd, Oyinda Buluro, Amber Haynes, Dominique Thompson, Khaleesi Marshall, Sya Franklyn, Freya-Rose Smith, Thaliyah Dowrich, Mishka Mapp.

Kingston College, Jamaica College and Excelsior High all scored massive wins in ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup action on Wednesday.

KC hit seven past Meadowbrook High at Meadowbrook to remain atop Zone C with 13 points from five games.

Elsewhere in Zone C, Campion College dispatched Penwood 2-0 to draw level on 10 points with their opponents who are in second place on goal difference.

Jose Marti Technical edged Cumberland High 2-1 in the St. Catherine derby in the day’s other Zone C clash.

Zone F action saw leaders Jamaica College defeat Bridgeport High 9-0 with Giovanni Taylor bagging four goals as the standout performer. Excelsior High hammered Pembroke Hall 11-0 in the other game from the zone.

In Zone D, Vauxhall High grabbed a late equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw against Camperdown High to remain unbeaten this season.

STATHS displayed a vintage performance as they held firm to secure their third win of the season with a 1-0 victory versus Haile Selassie and remain top of the zone with 10 points from their four outings.

After registering an historic win in an overtime thriller against Poland, the US Virgin Islands registered another as they edged Jamaica 19-18 in a pulsating Caribbean derby for consolation placement at the World Lacrosse Box Championship in Utica, New York, on Wednesday.

The US Virgin Islands, appearing in its first World Lacrosse championship of any kind, proved that they possess some quality with the overtime win over their more experienced Jamaican counterparts, thanks to a late hat-trick from Phillip Melecio.

Melecio’s three goals came 49 seconds into overtime of what was an emotionally charged contest that featured a lengthy injury delay, as Jamaica’s Isaac Newland suffered a nasty collision.

However, the player took to social media to let family and friends know he was in good spirits.

“I want to thank my teammates, family, doctors, and medical staff for all the prayers. I will be OK. This is Ocho, and I do my own stunts. I love the Lacrosse community, so see you all in the field soon,” Newland’s post read.

The two teams traded runs all game, and the final five minutes and 15 seconds were no exception. Jamaica netted three unanswered goals to take a 17-16 lead with just over four minutes left in regulation.

USVI later responded with two goals to regain the lead, before Tanner Sims fired in an equaliser for Jamaica with under 30 seconds left to send the contest into overtime.

Dante Poli influenced the game for the USVI with five goals and four assists. Melecio and Matt Williams each added hat-tricks, and Ryan Cochran finished with two goals and four assists. In net, Patrick Crosby saved 28 shots.

For the Jamaicans, Sims tallied seven goals and an assist, and Damon Edwards recorded five assists to go with a hat-trick. Seven other Jamaican players scored goals, including two from Jemar Pottinger. Jacob Thompson made 28 saves.

USVI will face Scotland on Thursday in placement play, while Jamaica will take on Hungary.

The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) and long-time youth cricket sponsor Kingston Wharves have teamed up to award two deserving Under-19 cricketers full scholarships for their tertiary education at the University of the West Indies (UWI). The scholarships were recently presented at the JCA office at Sabina Park in Kingston.

The JCA highlighted the spectacular success of the Under-19 team, led by captain Brian Barnes and Steven Wedderburn. The team captured both regional championship trophies available in 2023. The idea for the scholarships arose from a desire to properly reward these talented cricketers while supporting their educational goals, ensuring they could continue playing the game at a high level.

JCA President Dr. Donovan Bennett welcomed the partnership with Kingston Wharves in awarding the scholarships. "We are very grateful at the JCA that Kingston Wharves has made this offer. It allows cricketers who have also excelled academically to be recognized and supported, helping them to enhance their life skills," he said.

Dr. Bennett also spoke about the process of determining the scholarship winners. "We had a joint committee with participation from both Kingston Wharves and the JCA. We invited applications, and after a thorough assessment process, the committee made the final recommendations."

The two awardees, Barnes and Wedderburn, along with their family members and coaches, were thrilled to receive the scholarships.

"I feel elated and honoured," said Barnes. "I'm just happy that both of us are being recognized with this scholarship."

Wedderburn echoed similar sentiments, stating, "I feel pretty elated because this is an honor. It's a result of hard work and dedication, and I feel great about receiving this award."

Kingston Wharves, the financial backer of the scholarships, was represented by Business Development Manager Alfred McDonald, who spoke about the company's commitment to supporting student-athletes. "We are focused on ensuring that those playing the sport are also excelling academically. We've seen their journey, and we want to support it. By providing funds—around $300,000 to $500,000 per annum for each of them—we believe this assistance will propel them to do their best both on the field and in school," McDonald said.

Simone Murdock, Corporate Services and Client Experience Manager at Kingston Wharves, who sat on the scholarship selection committee, expressed the company’s satisfaction with the selection process and the quality of the two recipients. "Our commitment is to see these young men through to the completion of their degrees. At that time, the company will reassess, as there might be greater needs in three years. For now, our focus is on helping them complete their degree program, and we will evaluate what further support is needed for cricket development afterward," Murdock said.

Barnes and Wedderburn will be pursuing marketing degrees at UWI, a program expected to last four years.

The Honourable Ian Forbes has been appointed Chairman of the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS), as announced by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange. Forbes will lead a newly constituted board of directors, comprised of individuals with a diverse range of expertise, tasked with guiding the development and expansion of sports in Jamaica over the next two years.

Forbes, widely regarded for his contributions to Jamaican sports, will be supported by a dedicated team of professionals, including Deputy Chairman Howard Chambers and experienced figures such as Ronald Anderson, Dr. Michelle Holt, and Alan Beckford. Their collective experience spans a broad spectrum of disciplines, from sports management to medical expertise, positioning INSPORTS for a strong push in grassroots and community sports development.

 Under Forbes’ leadership, the board will focus on advancing programs aimed at fostering athletic talent, with an emphasis on inclusivity across Jamaica. This vision is supported by key members such as Glen Nelson, Emile Spence, and Shirley McLean Brown, who bring their own unique strengths to the team. The board also benefits from the administrative expertise of Julian Patrick and the strategic insights of Florette Blackwood and Suzzette Ison, both of whom have a long-standing history of contributing to Jamaica’s sports landscape.

 INSPORTS remains a critical body in Jamaica’s sporting ecosystem, particularly in its role of supporting youth sports and less mainstream disciplines. Forbes and his team are expected to work closely with athletes, coaches, and local communities to create opportunities that will further solidify Jamaica’s presence on the global sporting stage.

 Minister Grange also used the occasion to announce additions to the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), with Florette Blackwood, Leslie Harrow, and Newton Amos being added to its board. The SDF, led by Chairman Leslie Campbell, continues to play a pivotal role in funding national sports programs and developing sporting infrastructure across Jamaica.

 With Forbes at the helm of INSPORTS and new members adding their strengths to the SDF, Jamaica’s sport sector is poised for continued growth. Grange concluded, “Both the Institute of Sports and the Sports Development Foundation are key to ensuring Jamaica remains a dominant force in global sports. With this leadership in place, we are confident that we are on the right path to achieving our goals.”

Reggae Girlz Head coach Hubert Busby says Concacaf’s move to expand the women’s football calendar represents a significant step forward for the development of the sport in the region, as the revised schedule will provide increased opportunities for competition, allowing national teams to play more matches throughout the year.

In an effort to build on the successful delivery of the inaugural Women’s Gold Cup, as well as the recently added Women’s Club Competition, which is currently ongoing, Concacaf is set to introduce additional competitions, some of which will serve as qualifiers for major tournaments between 2025 and 2029.

Tournaments will include a new qualifying tournament in 2025 that will serve as the preliminary round of the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship, which will serve as the qualification path to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. There will also be the introduction of an inaugural Concacaf Women’s Nations League in 2028 and a second edition of the Women’s Gold Cup.

Busby, who continues to push for greater international success with his Reggae Girlz, believes the additional fixtures will be crucial in improving the competitiveness and overall quality of not only his team but that of other Caribbean nations ahead of future tournaments, including the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“This expanded calendar is a game changer. In order to improve, our players need regular, high-level competition, and this initiative by Concacaf allows us to play more frequently. It also provides an opportunity for us to assess the development of the team in a tournament situation on an ongoing basis,” Busby said.

“So kudos to Concacaf, they have done a good job of understanding the landscape and ever-changing times and being able to provide a platform for countries that sometimes can’t afford to schedule games in the windows to play. Also, providing a match calendar throughout the year is very important to kind of elevate arguably one of the best confederations in the world based on results, so it is great that we can look at this calendar and plan accordingly,” he told SportsMax.Tv.

The expanded calendar includes more consistent qualification pathways for major tournaments, with plans for more international friendlies and regional competitions. Busby sees this as an advantage, particularly for the Reggae Girlz, who have made history by qualifying for back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2019 and 2023 and are now aiming for even greater achievements.

“We are no longer just participating—we’re competing on the world stage. So it is good to play more often in order to maintain and build on that momentum. Our players will benefit from being on the field more often, and that can only bode well for us going forward. Ultimately, this is about growth—not just for the Reggae Girlz, but for women’s football across the region,” Busby explained.

The upcoming friendlies against European and African powerhouses France and South Africa will ensure Busby’s Reggae Girlz end 2024 on a high heading into that busy calendar next year.

Busby reiterated that these games—scheduled for October 25 in France and November 29 and December 2 in Jamaica—will offer a valuable test for his squad and give younger players more chances to develop in high-pressure environments.

“The more we play, the better we become, and as I said before, these games represent a commitment of all and sundry to that growth. We have a very deep pool and we will have a good set of players to choose from,” he noted.

Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant FA and Trinidad and Tobago’s AC Port of Spain and Police FC are among teams that will be hoping to position themselves for a semi-final berth as the Concacaf Caribbean Cup continues on Tuesday.

Two Group B encounters will get the week’s action under way, with Haiti’s Ouanaminthe set to host Antigua’s Grenades in the Dominican Republic, while AC Port of Spain welcomes the other Dominican Republic outfit, Cibao FC.

Meanwhile, the Group A contests between another Haitian club Real Hope and Arnett Gardens are set for Wednesday, with Police FC and Mount Pleasant set to rub shoulders on Thursday.

Ouanaminthe FC vs. Grenades FC

With both teams having only secured a point from their first two games, this contest represents an opportunity for either to move closer to the leaders, provided they execute efficiently to snare all three points.

Grenades FC and Ouanaminthe FC currently sit fourth and fifth with a point each, as Dominican Republic’s Moca FC comfortably occupies pole position on seven points ahead of Cibao (four points) and Port of Spain (two points).

Fredelin Philistin, who scored in Ouanaminthe’s 1-3 loss to Moca last Wednesday, will be key to their chances of securing their first win on this occasion.

The same is true about Sean Tomlinson, who notched a late equaliser for Grenades FC against Port of Spain on last.

Anything but a win for either team will bury their chances of progressing any further in the tournament.

AC Port of Spain vs. Cibao FC

With two points from three games, AC Port of Spain will enter this, their final group stage fixture against Cibao FC, also knowing that anything but a win will see them falling short of the semi-final.

Still, a win at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, doesn’t necessarily guarantee AC Port of Spain a semi-final spot, but it would provisionally push them into second above Cibao. From there, the Twin Island Republic’s representatives would then have to hope a result between Ouanaminthe and Cibao, on October 1 falls in their favour.

Shackiel Smek and John Paul Rochford will be the point men for AC Port of Spain.

Meanwhile, for Cibao FC, a win or a draw would not only extend their unbeaten run but also ensure they remain in a favourable position for a semi-final appearance.

Jean Lopez and Eddipo Rodriguez are expected to cause trouble for AC Port of Spain’s backline.

Real Hope FA vs. Arnett Gardens FC

Group A also remains in the balance, as Cavalier remain tops on six points ahead of Real Hope FA and Police FC on four points each. Mount Pleasant is also in striking distance on three points, while Arnett Gardens is without a point, but can turn their chances around with a win at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

Real Hope will enter the contest with their tails high having clipped Cavalier 2-1 last week, and knowing that another win would propel them to the top of the standing with one game still to come against Mount Pleasant on October 3.

The Haitian club will look to Rikanel Chery and Steeve Mondestin to lead their charge.

Despite their current situation, Arnett Gardens, the reigning Caribbean Shield champions, are no pushovers and head coach Xavier Gilbert will be hoping they can stamp their class in this contest to gradually revive their chances of progressing further.

Shai Smith, Warner Brown and others will be hoping to get some goals under their belts should goal-difference come into play, as the game will serve as Real Hope’s home fixture.

Miscellaneous Police FC vs. Mount Pleasant FA

Police FC will welcome the fact that their final group stage fixture will be at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on Thursday. However, the fact that they will be up against a highly-motivated Mount Pleasant team doesn’t allow much room for comfort.

But having edged one Jamaican club in Arnett Gardens 2-1 last week, Police will be backing their quality to down another, which would keep them in contention for a semi-final berth while slightly a draw or a loss could spell trouble for their chances.

Ezekiel Kesar will be their point man in attack.

A win for Mount Pleasant would also keep them in the running for a semi-final berth with a game in hand, but unlike their previous games, they will need to be at their best and capitalise on their chances to stay alive.

Jashaun Anglin and Kimoni Bailey are just two players to look out for in a deep squad that possesses immense quality.

Reigning Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier SC began their title defense in dramatic fashion with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Portmore United at Sabina Park on Sunday. Cavalier, who lost twice to Portmore United last season, found themselves trailing early after Tarick Ximines gave Portmore the lead in the 19th minute. However, Cavalier responded swiftly with Jalmaro Calvin netting the equalizer just six minutes later.

The turning point came in the 60th minute when an own goal from Portmore’s Akeem Mullings handed Cavalier the decisive advantage, securing all three points to kick off their season on a high note.

Elsewhere in the Jamaica Premier League, Vere United rebounded from their opening loss to Montego Bay United with a 3-1 win over Molynes United. Roshawn Oldfield opened the scoring for Vere in the 11th minute, but Jeremy Nelson quickly equalized two minutes later. Vere, determined to avoid another setback, restored their lead in the 25th minute through Denzel McKenzie before Romarion Thomas sealed the win with a late goal in added time.

Promoted side Racing United also celebrated their first-ever win in the top flight, edging Dunbeholden FC 1-0. Mikyle Williams' 40th-minute strike proved the difference, earning Racing United a valuable three points after their narrow 1-0 loss to Waterhouse FC in their opening game.

Meanwhile, Humble Lion and Tivoli Gardens played to a 0-0 stalemate, with both teams settling for a point in a tightly contested match.

The early rounds of the Jamaica Premier League have already delivered plenty of action, with Cavalier SC's comeback setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season.

Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz Head coach Hubert Busby reaffirmed his team’s commitment to continuously improve their quality as he welcomed the three crucial upcoming friendly encounters against France and South Africa to cap the year on a high.

In fact, Busby was quick to point out that the matches—away to 10th-ranked France at the Stade Auguste-Bonal on October 25, and at home against 50th-ranked South Africa on November 29 and December 2—are part of the broader plan to enhance the team’s competitiveness on the global stage. They also represent crucial stepping stones in the Reggae Girlz preparation for next year’s World Cup qualifiers.

“Playing against top-tier teams like France and South Africa is exactly the kind of fixtures we need to raise our game. It’s important that we continue to test ourselves against the best, not only to see where we stand but also to continue the growth we’ve worked so hard for over the past few years,” Busby told SportsMax.Tv.

“So, we are pleased that we will have these quality matches to close out the year heading into 2025. Obviously, France is a top 10 opponent and South Africa have been a perennial African champions and World. So to be able to play France in a very hostile environment will be difficult for us, but again, it’s a challenge that we welcome and look forward to standing up to,” he added.

The South Africa encounters will mark the first time players that paraded their skills at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Australia will be playing on home soil since the Olympic qualifying fixture against Canada last September.

This, Busby believes, will serve as a confidence booster for the team after two 0-4 losses away to Brazil in June and what will be another tough task against France. Prior to the Brazil friendly, a fairly young and inexperienced Reggae Girlz team lost two away friendlies to Chile.

“It will be great to have the players back in Jamaica in front of the home crowd. It has been a long time since the team has been in Jamaica so we are really looking forward to those games and really looking forward to have all the supporters and fans out to cheer the team on and further lift their spirits because I know they are excited to perform at home,” Busby shared.

Reggae Girlz against France at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

For Busby, high-profile friendlies against Brazil, France, and South Africa, in particular, are testament to the progress made by the Reggae Girlz in becoming a formidable force in Concacaf.

As such, the upcoming games presents an opportunity to assess the squad's strengths and weaknesses, as well as tactics and player combinations that will benefit the team in the long run as the Girlz set their sights on bigger goals for 2025 and beyond.

“These games aren’t just about results; they’re about performance and progression. We have a clear vision of where we want to go, and games like these are crucial in refining our style of play, building team chemistry, and ensuring we’re ready to take on the challenges ahead, especially in the World Cup qualifiers,” Busby stated.

“We will look at our playing model and dissect each and every area of that model in terms of how we are in and out of possession and how we transition both offensively and defensively. So each and every window we will target an area that we want to focus on and that is something that as a staff we are looking at now and we will head into these matches with some key areas of focus as it leads into the World Cup qualifiers next year,” the tactician noted.

The 42nd-ranked Reggae Girlz have made significant strides on the international stage in recent years, qualifying for back-to-back World Cups in 2019 and 2023, and their ambition remains to continue that momentum.

The Girlz suffered two 0-4 losses in two away friendlies to Brazil in June.

Busby believes that consistent exposure to high-level competition will be pivotal in maintaining and elevating the team’s standards as they seek an historic third-consecutive World Cup appearance.

“The goal is always the same and that is for this team to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. So everything we do now is about how we chart that path to ensure that the qualification objective is met. It is an ever-changing football landscape; teams continue to get better, so the challenge for us is to get better at a high level, and that is something that players, staff, the federation, and other stakeholders are committed to,” the former national goalkeeper declared.

Still, Busby acknowledged that the road ahead will be challenging, but he is confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.

“We’re not just looking at the here and now; we’re building for the future, and I have no doubt that this team has the quality, the dedication, and the heart to achieve great things We’re building a legacy, and these matches are a part of that journey,” Busby said.