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• World U20 100m Champion Alana Reid named brand ambassador for Burger King Jamaica

  World U20 100m Champion Alana Reid has secured a major off-track deal, becoming the latest brand ambassador for Burger King Jamaica. The deal, initially set for one year but with the potential for extension until 2028, sees Reid joining the fast-food giant in a partnership that includes public appearances and involvement in sports development initiatives.

  Reid made her first official appearance as brand ambassador on Tuesday at the launch of the 2024 Burger King 5K and Relay at Jamaica College in Kingston. The event, slated for November 10, will see Reid actively engaging participants, including leading them through warm-up exercises before the race.

  

  The young sprinter’s achievements on the global stage have made her a standout figure in Jamaican athletics.  First, she was part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team that finished fifth at the Paris Olympic Games in August, and following that, she delivered a stellar performance at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru. Reid claimed two gold medals—first with an impressive 11.17-second finish in the 100m, leading a Caribbean 1-2-3 sweep alongside Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands and Kishawna Niles of Barbados. She later anchored Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team to another gold, cementing her place as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the region.

  This partnership with Burger King not only highlights her rising star status but also represents a commitment from both Reid and the brand to inspire and nurture the next generation of Jamaican athletes. Reid’s involvement in events like the Burger King 5K and her upcoming clinics will provide valuable exposure and guidance to aspiring young sprinters, further solidifying her influence both on and off the track. 

• Jamaica to host New Zealand in Davis Cup Group II Playoffs from January 31-February 2

  Jamaica will host New Zealand in the Davis Cup World Group II Playoffs from January 31-February 2 next year at the Eric Bell National Tennis Centre in Kingston.

  The Jamaicans, who lost to Barbados in the World Group II Playoffs at home in February, have been given a lifeline in the form of an automatic promotion back to the Group II Playoffs.

  This is due to a recent restructuring of the Davis Cup competition giving a fourth qualifying spot to the Americas region.

  As a result of this, Jamaica, who were the highest ranked team who didn’t get promoted, earned the new slot.

  They will now host a New Zealand side led by world number 559 Kiranpal Pannu. Jamaica could be without the services of their top player, Blaise Bicknell, who is currently injured.

• Magee eager to make mark in Concacaf Nations League on return to Reggae Boyz setup

  After almost a year on the outside watching from a distance, Tyreek Magee is now buzzing with excitement about his return to Jamaica’s senior Reggae Boyz set up for their upcoming Concacaf Nations League fixtures against Nicaragua and Honduras.

  Magee, whose name is synonymous with flair and creativity in the midfield, seems set to make his first senior Reggae Boyz appearance since late last year, and it is an opportunity he is hoping to grasp with a showcase his growth to once again re-establish himself on the international stage.

  The 25-year-old has been holding his own in the USL Championship with Colorado Switchbacks, scoring three goals in 13 appearances, as he has impressed fans and critics alike with his performances this season.

  Magee’s consistent displays and creative vision caught the eye of Reggae Boyz Head coach, Steve McClaren, who believes his inclusion could bolster a squad brimming with attacking talent for the October 10 and 14 League A encounters.

  For Magee, the return to the national fold is both a validation of his hard work and a stepping stone for what’s to come.

  “I'm definitely happy to be back in the squad. It's been a while now, so I'm looking forward to it,” Magee, who has 10 international caps, said in an interview ahead of the team’s departure for Nicaragua.

  

  “I’m excited and looking forward to making the most of this opportunity. As I said before, it’s been a while since I’ve been with the squad, and I’ve been putting in a lot of work to make sure I’m ready. I need to affect the games as much as possible, so whatever minutes I get, I need to make the most of it so I'm really looking forward to these two games,” he added.

  The former Jamaica College and Harbour View FC standout has had an eventful journey since leaving the island for opportunities abroad. After a four-year spell in Belgium with KAS Eupen, Magee found his rhythm again in the USL, where he has been lauded for his technical ability and leadership on the pitch.

  Despite the challenges of adjusting to different leagues and styles of play, Magee never lost sight of his goal—returning to the Reggae Boyz setup. His inclusion in the squad comes at a pivotal time for Jamaica, as they look to secure vital points in the Nations League and continue building momentum under McClaren’s leadership.

  These upcoming matches — away to Nicaragua on Thursday and at home to Honduras next Monday — are crucial in shaping the Boyz’ path toward potential qualification for the Concacaf Gold Cup and, ultimately, the 2026 World Cup.

  The Boyz currently head Group B on four points, same as Nicaragua, with Honduras (three points) and Cuba (two points) in close quarters. French Guiana and Trinidad and Tobago round out the group with a point each.

  McClaren, who took over the reins earlier this year, has emphasized a possession-based style with a focus on midfield creativity, making Magee’s return particularly timely.

  “I’ve always looked for a number 10; a creative player out of the box, somebody who can change games and I asked Merron [Gordon] and he recommended Tyreek [Magee]. I had a little look at him and I liked him. This boy has ability, skill, and can change a game and I said yeah, we’ll give him a chance. That’s what I aim to do,” McClaren shared.

  

  With the window of opportunity now opened up for the midfielder, Magee’s focus is clear—perform well, seize the opportunity, and help the team achieve its goals.

  “I’ve learned a lot over the past year about myself and about my game. I did a lot of self-searching and stuff where I was just thinking to myself, like, what I want from football and stuff like that, and I feel like it's been helping me so far. I’m in a good place right now, and I want to show that on the field, so I’m ready to give everything for the team,” Magee declared.

  Another exciting prospect of Magee’s call-up is the fact that he could possibly get to grace the international stage alongside former Jamaica College teammate Norman Campbell.

  “Yeah, it's something that doesn't really happen much, so I want to embrace it. We grew up in the same community as well, so I'm definitely looking forward to playing with him [Norman Campbell] representing the country,” he ended.