Adilson Malanda says Charlotte FC are working to deliver a full 90-minute performance against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, having seen plenty of points slip away from them late on this year.
Dean Smith's team have slipped to 11th in the Eastern Conference by winning just one of their last five games, drawing one and losing three.
They conceded a 90th-minute winner in last week's 2-1 loss to New York City FC, and late concessions also cost them in a 1-1 draw with FC Cincinnati and a 1-0 defeat at Toronto FC in March.
Defender Malanda says they have focused on setting that right in training this week, explaining: "We know that's one of our problems right now, which we need to fix.
"We cannot keep giving up goals like that at the end of games. It can kill all the effort we make throughout the whole week. It's tough to accept, but it's part of the game and it happens.
"If you cannot win a game, you have to learn not to lose it, because that has now taken a lot of points away from us."
The Portland Timbers are suffering from almost the opposite problem, giving themselves a mountain to climb in too many games under Phil Neville.
Portland sit 11th in the West amid a seven-game winless streak, last week's 3-2 loss to Los Angeles FC seeing them enter half-time at least two goals down for the third time in five matches.
"We just can't keep giving teams 2-0 starts and expect to win games of football, that's unacceptable and it's on me," Neville said.
"We've got to fix it and we've got to fix it quick. We will do, because we're so close to being a very good team, and if we learn that bit, we'll be a better team."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Charlotte FC – Kerwin Vargas
Vargas opened the scoring for Charlotte in the third minute against New York last week, the 13th time Charlotte had scored in the opening 10 minutes of a regular-season match, tied for the most of any team since they joined the league in 2022 (with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Houston Dynamo).
The Colombian is one of only two Charlotte players with more than one MLS goal to his name this year alongside Patrick Agyemang, while he has also laid on 11 chances for team-mates.
Portland Timbers – Felipe Mora
With four goals, Mora sits joint-top of Portland's scoring charts for this season, alongside Evander.
As doubts persist over the Brazilian's fitness, Mora – whose four strikes have come from seven shots worth 2.03 expected goals (xG) for a 57.14 per cent conversion rate – will carry the Timbers' hopes.
MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN
Saturday's match will be the first ever between Charlotte and Portland, in what will be the Crown's 91st competitive game since joining MLS.
Charlotte saw their 14-game unbeaten home run halted by a 3-0 defeat to Minnesota United on April 21, but they have not lost back-to-back matches on their own turf since March 2023, when they went down to the New England Revolution and Atlanta United.
They will fancy their chances of getting back on track on front of their own fans, with the Timbers' current seven-match winless run their longest in a single season since 2014, when they went eight without victory between March and April.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Charlotte FC – 43.9%
Portland Timbers – 28.5%
Draw – 27.6%
Atlanta United are not concerned by their winless run in MLS, so says Caleb Wiley.
The Five Stripes have not won in four MLS games, ahead of a home meeting with Minnesota United on Saturday.
Wiley, however, believes Atlanta’s attacking play has been such that it is only a matter of time until results start turning.
“It will come,” said Wiley. “We are creating so many chances. I know it is frustrating, but the goals will come. We are not worried because we have the talent to do that [score goals].
“We know that it is still early in the season. We still have a lot more games to go. We have so much more to learn. That is what we are all excited about; that is what I am excited about for this team. We have so much more to do, and to show everybody.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s fixture, Atlanta coach Gonzalo Pineda said: “We have watched all the games.
“We have prepared tactically for whatever lineup or structure they present. So, it is about our principles and how we play. How we can balance their backline, and how we can create enough chances for our attacking players to be near the goal line.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Atlanta United – Thiago Almada
Almada has 11 goals and 13 assists in regular-season home matches since the start of last season, one of two players (Luciano Acosta) with at least 10 goals and 10 assists in home matches in that time.
Minnesota United – Robin Lod
Lod has recorded an assist in four straight matches, equalling Darwin Quintero (2018—19) for the longest regular-season streak in Minnesota United’s history. He is the first Loons’ player to do so within a single season.
MATCH PREDICTION: ATLANTA UNITED WIN
Atlanta’s eight-match home unbeaten run in all competitions (W6 D2) ended with a 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati on April 20. Atlanta have lost consecutive home matches in all competitions in nearly three years, since losing to New England and Columbus in July 2021.
The Five Stripes have won four of five all-time meetings with Minnesota (L1). The Loons’ lone victory was a 3—2 win at Atlanta in October 2017.
However, Minnesota are off to the best start in club history with 17 points from their first nine matches of the season. The Loons have won three of their four road matches (L1) after winning only three of their final 14 regular-season away matches in 2023 (D2 L9).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Atlanta United – 47.7%
Minnesota United – 25.2%
Draw – 27.1%
Daniel Gazdag says the Philadelphia Union must "run through walls" against D.C. United on Saturday, after he saw a personal milestone overshadowed by back-to-back defeats for Jim Curtin's team.
Gazdag became Philadelphia's all-time leading scorer on Tuesday, netting his 57th goal for the club against the Seattle Sounders at Subaru Park.
However, that goal wasn't enough to prevent the Union from sliding to a 3-2 loss, just three days after they suffered their first MLS defeat of 2024 against Real Salt Lake.
While Gazdag was pleased to seal his place in franchise history, he was frustrated it didn't count for more and wants to make amends this weekend.
"It's obviously a nice number. I'm happy that I've become the all-time leading goalscorer for the club. That's amazing," Gazdag said.
"When I got here three years ago, I wouldn't have dreamed about it. I'm happy with that, I'll be happy in the future, for sure, but it's just annoying we played like that.
"After two games like this, we have to go out there and just run through walls to win the next game, it doesn't matter who we're up against."
Philadelphia sit seventh in the Eastern Conference with 13 points from nine games, an identical tally to that accumulated by D.C. through 10 matches.
Troy Lesesne's men beat Seattle 2-1 last Saturday to halt a three-match winless run, but he says they are yet to produce a complete performance since he took charge.
"With the ball, what we want to do is keep the tempo high," Lesesne said.
"We want to see out a complete performance, which is still something we're going after, and hopefully against Philadelphia we can have another go at that."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
D.C. United – Christian Benteke
Benteke scored both of D.C.'s goals against Seattle last week, moving to eight goals in MLS this season. Only Lionel Messi, with nine, has outscored the former Liverpool man.
The Belgian has also netted 12 of his team's last 21 MLS goals in a run dating back to late September (0.57 per cent).
Philadelphia Union – Julian Carranza
Carranza scored two hat-tricks against D.C. United in the 2022 season.
The Argentine, who has four goals in MLS this term, is looking to break new ground on Saturday – no player in MLS history has scored three hat-tricks against a single opponent before.
MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN
The Union have won six of their last eight regular-season away matches against D.C. (one draw, one defeat), scoring 24 goals in those matches including nine in the last two.
They are favourites to preserve their strong record at Audi Field, having gone unbeaten through their first five road games of an MLS season (two wins, three draws) for the second time (also in 2021).
Since 2015, only the 2022 New York Red Bulls have opened a season with a six-game unbeaten run on the road. Philadelphia have what it takes to replicate that feat, with D.C. not winning consecutive matches within a single season since April 2023.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
D.C. United – 29.2%
Philadelphia Union – 42.4%
Draw – 28.4%
Luciano Acosta has hailed FC Cincinnati for coming through a testing period as they look to make it three straight wins in MLS play at Orlando City on Saturday.
After going unbeaten through their first six games of the season, Cincinnati suffered back-to-back 2-1 defeats against the New York Red Bulls and CF Montreal.
However, they have since bounced back with two wins over difficult opponents, seeing off Atlanta United and the Colorado Rapids by the same scoreline.
Acosta scored his 44th goal for Cincinnati – the most of any player in franchise history – in that latter game, and he believes their resilience has been key.
"I think it's just about our mentality," Acosta said. "We lost those two games and it was a bit of a punch that woke us up. But now it's about the mentality and getting back to it."
Head coach Pat Noonan said of Acosta: "I think what makes it more impressive is teams are going to try to prevent him from having an impact.
"When you're a key player and you're able to do what he's doing with the focus on stopping you in a lot of ways, that's what is unique."
Orlando, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 by Toronto FC last week, halting their four-game unbeaten streak and dropping them to 13th in the Eastern Conference.
Forward Duncan McGuire felt the Lions should have taken maximum points from that game and is desperate to atone at Inter&Co Stadium.
"I definitely think we should've won," he said.
"I think how difficult this felt and how this feels for us right now is going to push us and motivate us to train hard all week, to get a win for the fans at home and get the job done."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando City – Duncan McGuire
Maguire scored his fourth goal of the MLS season against Toronto last week – no other Orlando player has netted more than once in 2024.
Those goals have come from an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.7, with the United States international also attempting a team-high 27 shots this campaign.
FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Acosta has contributed to at least one goal in four straight MLS matches (one goal, three assists).
It is Acosta's fifth streak of four or more straight regular-season games with a goal contribution for Cincinnati, with Brandon Vazquez the only other player to achieve that feat for the team.
MATCH PREDICTION – ORLANDO CITY WIN
Orlando earned a win and a draw against Supporters' Shield winners Cincinnati last season, making them one of two teams (also the New England Revolution) to play Cincinnati twice in the 2023 regular season and not lose either match.
The Lions may just fancy their chances of another positive result against Noonan's men, who have only won one of their last three away games (one draw, one defeat).
Orlando have only lost two of their last 17 regular-season home matches dating back to last April, winning nine and drawing six, so viewers should expect a response to their loss last time out.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Orlando City – 49.3%
FC Cincinnati – 23.6%
Draw – 27.1%
Leonardo Campana does not concern himself with competing with team-mate Lionel Messi when it comes to Inter Miami records.
Campana has netted 25 goals during his time with Miami, while Messi – who joined the club midway through 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain – has scored 22 times.
Only Gonzalo Higuain (29), has scored more goals than Campana and Messi for the Herons in the club’s short history.
Campana, though, shrugged off the suggestion that he is in competition with Messi to become Miami’s record goalscorer.
"No, I don't really pay it much attention,” he said.
“I just try to enjoy it when it's my turn to play. Obviously, if I could manage it, it would be incredible, but we all know that Leo [Messi] is coming up behind me very quickly, so let's see what happens."
Asked if Messi will catch up with his own tally, Campana played the question with a straight bat, replying: "As I said, Leo is coming up fast. So, obviously, it makes me happy for him, for everything he creates for the team. But my time will come.
"As I always say, having Leo [Messi] on the pitch is a positive. It's good, when he's in the national team, we feel his presence, and when he's here with us, we feel him and when he's not, we feel that too. We know what he creates on the pitch and, obviously, when he's not there we always try our best to do a good job. But as I say, Leo is Leo and always when he's not there, it's different."
Next up for Miami – the Western Conference leaders – and Messi are the New York Red Bulls, who are four points behind the Herons in the standings.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Inter Miami – Lionel Messi
Messi has contributed to at least one goal in 10 consecutive club matches in all competitions for the seventh time in his career and the first since 2018 (12 straight). Messi has scored in six straight league matches for the first time since January-February 2021.
New York Red Bulls – Lewis Morgan
Morgan has scored seven goals this season, including one on Saturday and three against Miami in March. Last season, Omir Fernandez and Elias Manoel led the Red Bulls with six total goals all season.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
While the Opta predictor is forecasting a draw, there has never actually been a draw between these two teams, with the Red Bulls recording six wins to Miami’s three, including a 4-0 victory in New York in March. Indeed, the Red Bulls have won three of their four away games against the Herons.
Miami have scored 78 goals in 36 matches in all competitions since Messi made his debut for the club last July, 14 more than any other MLS team in that time. Saturday’s 4-1 win over the New England Red Bulls was the 15th time Miami has scored at least three goals in a match in that time.
The Red Bulls are unbeaten in six straight regular-season matches (W2 D4), though the last three matches have all ended in draws. New York have had only one longer unbeaten run in league play since 2017, an eight-match stretch in September-October 2021.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Inter Miami – 39.7%
New York Red Bulls – 31.4%
Draw – 28.9%
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Thursday that they have imposed a five-year period of ineligibility from all cricket on West Indies player Devon Thomas.
The 34-year-old, who has represented the West Indies in one Test, 21 ODIs and 12 T20Is, accepted breaching seven counts of the anti-corruption codes of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Thomas was provisionally suspended for corruption on May 23, 2023 when he was slapped with the following seven charges:
Article 2.1.1 of the SLC Code - contriving or being party to an agreement to fix or attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of matches in the Lanka Premier League 2021.
Article 2.4.4 of the SLC Code – failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in the Lanka Premier League 2021.
Article 2.4.6 of the SLC Code - failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by failing to provide accurately and completely any information and/or documentation requested by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official.
Article 2.4.7 of the SLC Code – obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation into Corrupt Conduct, including (without limitation) concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct.
Article 2.4.4 of the ECB Code – failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct at the Abu Dhabi T10 2021.
Article 2.4.4 of the CPL Code – failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in relation to the CPL 2021.
Article 2.4.2 of the CPL Code – failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (without unnecessary delay) the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or benefit (a) that he knew or should have known was made in order to procure a breach of the CPL Code, or (b) could have brought the player or the game of cricket into disrepute.
The “period of ineligibility,” as the ICC called it in Thursday’s release, is backdated to when he was provisionally suspended last May.
ICC also ruled that “the last 18 months of the period of ineligibility would be suspended.”
“Having played both international and professional domestic/franchise cricket, Devon attended numerous anti-corruption education sessions. He therefore knew what his obligations were under the Anti-Corruption Codes but failed to meet these obligations across three different franchise leagues,” said Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit in the release.
“This ban is apt and should send a strong message to players and corrupters that attempts to corrupt our sport will be dealt with firmly,” he added.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the official anthem for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, titled ‘Out of this World’, by Grammy award-winning artist Sean Paul and Soca superstar Kes, setting the stage for an epic cricketing carnival across the West Indies and USA from June 1-29.
Produced by Michael “Tano” Montano, the anthem was released alongside a vibrant music video featuring cameo appearances from renowned personalities including eight-time Olympic gold-medallist and tournament ambassador Usain Bolt, cricket stars Chris Gayle, Ali Khan, Shiv Chanderpaul, and other esteemed Caribbean figures. The music video captures the electrifying atmosphere and excitement fans can expect at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches.
Fans can enjoy the anthem and music video on various digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, JioSaavn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. The anthem embodies Caribbean pride and positivity, inviting everyone to join in the celebration of cricket.
Grammy Award winner Sean Paul expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This song is all about positive energy and Caribbean pride. I can't wait for the carnival of cricket to get started and hear everyone singing along to the anthem, bringing the party to stadiums across the West Indies and USA.”
Soca Superstar Kes added, “Cricket has always been a major part of Caribbean culture, so I'm honoured to write and record the official anthem for the T20 World Cup. The track embodies the vibrant culture and energy of cricket and is a real anthem for people to sing out and feel the spirit of unity.”
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager - Marketing and Communications, highlighted the significance of the anthem in setting the tone for the tournament, emphasizing the global unity and celebration that cricket fosters.
Additionally, the ICC announced the release of additional hospitality opportunities and tickets for all ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches, available from 10:00 Antigua Standard Time. Box offices have also opened across the West Indies, including locations in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, offering fans convenient access to secure their tickets and be part of this historic event.
Don’t miss out on this thrilling cricket extravaganza! Visit tickets.t20worldcup.com for details on securing your tickets and experiencing the excitement firsthand.
Box office locations:
Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua Recreation Ground
Barbados: Kensington Oval
Guyana: Guyana Cricket Board Office
Saint Lucia: Daren Sammy Cricket Ground
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Commercial Centre
Trinidad and Tobago: Queen’s Park Oval and National Cricket Centre
The Stadium East facility witnessed a spectacular display of talent on the opening day of the INSPORTS/Devon Biscuits Primary Schools Eastern Championship, with five records falling before the close of competition.
Mickoloy Saunders from Lyssons Primary set the tone by shattering the boys' 800m record, clocking an impressive 2:35.94. This performance surpassed the previous mark of 2:39.83 set by his schoolmate Yohance Carty last year. Camron Fraser of Lawrence Tavern also made waves, finishing second in the heat with a time of 2:28.37, which was under the previous record.
Romeann Gray of Seaside Primary in Portland continued the record-breaking spree in the girls' 800m, storming to victory in 2:31.51, well below the old record of 2:36.57. Deanakay Pinnock of St Patrick’s was another standout, clocking 2:42.90 in winning her heat.
Lyssons Primary showcased their dominance by breaking records in both the girls' and boys' 4x200m relays. The girls' team blazed to victory in 1:50.74, erasing Harbour View's 2023 record of 1:54.87. Meanwhile, the boys' team set a scorching time of 1:45.80, demolishing the old mark of 1:51.80 set by St Jude’s last year.
Adding to the record-breaking spree, Shemika Dobbs of Windward Road clinched the girls' Class 4 60m in a swift 9.17 seconds, eclipsing the previous record set by Sunjai KirkPatrick of Alpha.
The championship continues on Thursday with ten finals scheduled. Defending champions St Thomas’ Lyssons Primary are poised for success, having qualified numerous athletes for the finals and showcasing exceptional form early in the competition.
Take it from the incomparable Usain Bolt that the race for the men’s 100m title at this summer’s Paris Olympic Games will be wide open, as he is yet to identify any clear favourite to stake a claim on the coveted gold medal.
Bolt, whose words carries the weight of his unparalleled legacy, gave his views on the possible Olympic outcome, as he also shared thoughts on the progress of male sprinting in Jamaica, which he believes remains alive with the emergence of Rohan Watson, Oblique Seville, Ackeem Blake, Ryiem Forde, and Kadrian Goldson, in particular.
Seville has been the main protagonist on that list, as he has consistently knocked at the door of a global 100m medal over the years. He placed fourth at both the 2020 Olympic Games and last year’s World Championships.
The 23-year-old’s rise from promising newcomer to bona fide contender has captured the imagination of Jamaican track and field enthusiasts at home and abroad. With blistering speed and unwavering determination, Seville has carved out a name for himself as one of Jamaica's most promising talents, and along with the others, carries the hopes of a nation known for its sprinting prowess.
“I think these athletes represent our chances, but it is all about execution. I think over the past years, it (Jamaica’s male sprinting) has been struggling, but I do think that Oblique has been keeping it alive,” Bolt, the ambassador for Red Stripe’s ‘Guh Fi Gold and Glory’ campaign, told journalists during the event’s launch in Half Way Tree on Wednesday.
“He has made all the finals so far; it is just for him to now get in the top three. And I think it's just consistency. I think the one thing with Oblique is that he always gets injured, but hopefully he can be consistent this season and stay on the right path and he'll be fine. So, I'm just looking forward to seeing them,” the iconic sprinter added.
Though American Noah Lyles, who copped the sprint double at last year's World Championships, has been a dominant force, his compatriots Fred Kerly, silver medallist at the 2020 Games in Tokyo, and Christian Coleman are also prominent contenders, while the young generation of Jamaican sprinters –Watson, Seville, Blake, and Goldson –have also entered the conversation.
Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, and Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, are also expected to be in the mix in Paris, while Italy’s Marcell Jacobs and Canada’s Andre De Grasse, the gold and bronze medallists from the 2020 Games in Tokyo, are yet to enter the fray ahead of the global multi-sport showpiece.
While it is still early days yet, Bolt, an eight-time Olympic gold medallist and the world’s fastest man over 100m and 200m, expressed optimism about Seville’s Olympic Games medal prospects, as he believes the young sensation has proven that he can match strides with those names on the list.
“Let's see what happens. I think it's early. No one is doing anything, and I haven't seen anything impressive so far. So, I think it is still wide open. I am really hoping Oblique can break into the top three this time around. I think he has always worked hard over the years, and he is always in the final and always doing well. So hopefully, he will break into the top three,” Bolt said.
On that note, Bolt, who is looking forward to a second Olympic Games as a spectator since his retirement in 2017, believes the athletes stand ready to write the next chapter in the country’s storied history of success.
“Overall, we all have high hopes. The throwers, jumpers, everybody. Everyone is doing well, and you can see where they are stepping up. The medal tally will be good as always. Jamaica always shows up. We always get at least five medals, and I think we are aiming to get eight to 10 medals in Paris,” he shared.
“I think the athletes will (maintain their performance). Jamaica is always up there. We are still the sprint capital of the world, and I think we will continue to dominate,” Bolt ended.
In yet another commanding performance, Andre Fletcher led from the front with an unbeaten 84 as the West Indies A secured a comprehensive 28-run victory over Nepal on Thursday, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in their five-match T20 series.
Fletcher, who had scored 53 against the hosts on Wednesday, continued his rich vein of form with a scintillating knock of 84 not out from just 54 balls, including nine fours and four sixes. His explosive innings, coupled with Johnson Charles' brisk 58 off 30 balls, propelled the visitors to a formidable total of 209-3 in their allotted 20 overs. The duo shared a pivotal second-wicket partnership of 92 runs in less than nine overs to lay a solid foundation for their team.
Charles, coming off an unbeaten 119 in the previous match, played another impactful cameo, striking three fours and six sixes before his departure. Fabian Allen contributed a quick-fire 33 not out from 19 balls and with Fletcher shared in an unbroken stand of 83, to boost West Indies A beyond the 200-run mark for the second consecutive game.
The Nepalese bowlers struggled to contain the West Indies batsmen, with Kushal Bhurtel being the most successful among them, claiming 2-23 from his four overs.
In response, Nepal's chase was anchored by a valiant effort from their captain, Rohit Paudel, who blazed his way to 82 off just 47 deliveries, featuring seven fours and five sixes. However, Paudel lacked substantial support from his teammates as Nepal faltered and eventually folded for 181.
Apart from Paudel, Sundeep Jora, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Gulsan Jha contributed 19 each but failed to capitalize on their starts against a disciplined West Indies bowling attack. Matthew Forde and Hayden Walsh Jr starred with the ball, claiming three wickets each, while Fabian Allen chipped in with 2-34. Gudakesh Motie, despite being expensive, managed to pick up two crucial wickets.
With this victory, West Indies A have taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, setting the stage for the final match scheduled to be played on Saturday. The dominant display by the tourists bodes well for their confidence heading into the final encounter and also ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, with Cricket West Indies set to announce their squad for the tournament on June 1.
As the excitement surrounding the Paris Olympics surges within the hearts and minds of Jamaicans across the globe, beer giant Red Stripe launched its “Guh Fi Gold and Glory” Olympics campaign, with track & field legend Usain Bolt to serve as its brand ambassador.
Through this campaign, Red Stripe will send 10 lucky Jamaicans to Paris, France to cheer on the country’s athletes. From community engagements, countless giveaways, to a partnership with the incomparable Bolt, Red Stripe is set to amplify national pride before, during and after local athletes dominate on the main stage at this summer’s global multi-event showpiece.
Details of the campaign were revealed during the launch announcement at the Half Way Tree Transport Centre on Wednesday.
Red Stripe’s Head of Commerce, Sean Wallace said the campaign represents a significant, long-term investment.
“The Olympic games allow our Jamaican athletes to showcase their envied talents, as well as, as it allows our people to come together within communities, homes, town squares to chat and cheer. It's really an occasion where national pride unfailingly soars and so, our brand undoubtedly wanted to be a part of that excitement in a much larger way this time around.
“So of course, we decided to do it big. We’re proud to not only offer extensive giveaway opportunities, meaningful and authentic community events, but announce our recent partnership with the legend himself, Usain Bolt,” Wallace said.
Forming part of a larger $80 Million investment with the Jamaica Olympics Association (JOA), the “Guh Fi Gold & Glory” campaign further symbolises Red Stripe’s commitment to celebrating sportsmanship, unity and the spirit of competition that is part of the country’s DNA.
For Bolt, an eight-time Olympic gold medallists and the world’s fastest man over 100m and 200m, his iconic brand with the world’s iconic beer, represents the perfect fit.
“Red Stripe is synonymous with Jamaica, and I always want to represent the best of Jamaica. Becoming an ambassador for Red Stripe is a celebration of greatness and I’m very excited about the partnership. I’m even more excited for Jamaicans to enjoy all the fun and excitement that Red Stripe has coming their way. So, it is something that I am excited about. We have a lot of work to do, and I am looking forward to it,” Bolt shared.
From May 1 to June 28, Red Stripe will be rolling out a series of promotional events in support of the upcoming Olympic Games, with 10 consumers set to secure unique opportunity to enjoy the Games live.
Additionally, the beer brand will host viewing experiences whenever local athletes are set to compete. Red Stripe also announced that each week, five individuals will receive cash prizes of J$50,000, while 10 winners will be selected to receive 65-inch smart TVs, and one lucky recipient will enjoy an Olympic-style living room upgrade.
“As we support our athletes with training, development, and equipment, we are equally committed to giving back to our communities. We recently showcased the immense talent of our nation's artists by commissioning a special limited-edition label that will soon be available in the market,” Wallace said.
“Over the next few weeks, we aim to forge meaningful connections that reflect our values and capture the excitement of the Olympics. Our commitment has always been, and will continue to be, focused on celebrating what is uniquely Jamaican and honouring the talent and accomplishments of our people,” he ended.
Opening his outdoor season with a wind-aided mark of 8.44m to win the long jump at the LSU Invitational earned Razorback Wayne Pinnock the SEC Field Athlete of the Week honour, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday. This was Pinnock’s first competition since winning the NCAA Indoor long jump title in mid-March, when he improved his world-leading indoor mark to 8.40m.
Pinnock, the 2023 World Championships silver medalist, has been the world leader in the long jump since the 2023 outdoor season, with a leap of 8.54m from the World Championships qualification round. His winning effort at LSU is the 2024 outdoor world-leading performance under all-conditions as it was aided by a 5.8m/s wind. It also ranks him as the number-eight performer on the collegiate all-time list under all-conditions, which includes five wind-aided marks among the top 11 performers.
With only three jumps in his series, Pinnock opened with 8.15m that was assisted with a 7.1m/s wind. In the third round, with a 2.3 wind, Pinnock traveled 8.25m/s.
British sprint sensation Dina Asher-Smith, the 2019 200m World Champion, is eagerly looking forward to her debut appearance in Jamaica as she prepares to compete at the inaugural Jamaica Athletics Invitational on May 11 at the National Stadium in Kingston.
The 28-year-old, who six months ago made a transition to train under renowned coach Eldrick Floreal alongside world indoor 60m champion Julien Alfred and Irish star Rhasidat Adeleke, expressed her excitement about racing in her father's birth country for the first time.
In a series of Instagram story posts, Asher-Smith shared her joy and anticipation for the upcoming event, revealing her enthusiasm and plans for her trip to Jamaica.
"I can't even begin to express how excited I am to be running in Jamaica for my next race," Asher-Smith wrote in one of her captions. "I've wanted to do this for so long. I feel like I can begin to get really really excited about it because it's now official next up."
Asher-Smith also detailed her preparations, expressing her plans for her nails and outfit for the occasion, along with her eagerness to explore and immerse herself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jamaican athletics.
Asher-Smith, whose mother Julie was born in London and father Winston hails from Jamaica, holds Jamaican and Trinidadian ancestry. Her participation in the Jamaica Athletics Invitational marks a significant milestone in her career, as she aims to make history as the first British female sprinter to win an individual Olympic medal.
With her sights set on achieving new milestones and making her mark on the global stage, Dina Asher-Smith's upcoming appearance in Jamaica promises to be a thrilling and memorable experience for both the athlete and her fans.
In a dazzling display of power hitting, Johnson Charles led the charge for West Indies A with a spectacular unbeaten 119 from just 61 balls, guiding his team to a commanding 76-run victory over Nepal and taking a 2-1 lead in the T20 series in Kirtipur.
Charles's explosive innings included 13 fours and seven sixes as he anchored the West Indies A innings, propelling them to a formidable total of 227-3 against the hosts. His half-century came in a blistering 24 balls, setting the stage for a dominant performance. Charles formed a crucial second-wicket partnership of 145 runs with Andre Fletcher (53), after Alick Athanaze was run out for 17.
Fletcher's innings featured four fours and three sixes before he departed in the 16th over. Contributions from Fabian Allen (19 from nine balls) and Keemo Paul (13 from seven) further bolstered the West Indies A total, which marked the highest score by the tourists in the series so far.
In response, Nepal faced an uphill battle chasing more than 11 runs per over for victory and struggled under scoreboard pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. Opener Lokesh Bam and Karan both managed 28 runs, while Kushal Malla contributed 20. However, Nepal ultimately collapsed to 151 all out in 19.2 overs.
Hayden Walsh Jr led the bowling attack for West Indies A with impressive figures of 3-28, while Gudakesh Motie provided valuable support with 2-28. Fabian Allen, Matthew Forde, and Obed McCoy also chipped in with a wicket each as the West Indies comfortably secured a pivotal series lead.
Johnson Charles' heroic innings and the collective effort from the West Indies A bowlers have positioned the team favorably as they head towards the remaining matches of the series, aiming to clinch the series victory against Nepal.
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