The match follows defeats for both teams with TT being edged 2-1 at home to Honduras last Friday and Panama going down 1-0 away to Mexico, putting both countries in a must-win situation as they attempt to make up for lost ground.

The TT squad arrived in Panama City on Sunday night and was scheduled to have its official onehour training session at 8pm last night.

Head coach Dennis Lawrence maintained that his team must have a positive approach to the match despite the disappointment of having dropped three points at home to Honduras.

“We have no choice but to be positive and to take the right approach to this match which is to go out and play for three points. Obviously we are not in the best of positions on the table but once we are mathematically in with a chance – which we are at the moment – then we have to give it everything and pull ourselves together to try and get what is required,” Lawrence said.

TT midfielder Kevan George believes the team is capable of pulling itself out of a difficult situation.

“We as a team haven’t given up on anything. Regardless of the all the negative reports, there is still a a positive mood in the camp. Obviously after a loss like Friday, people are saying all sorts of things about the squad and the Football Association but this is expected when the results are not going your way.

What I can say is we remain a team and we want to make the country proud and we know how important it is for us to do something positive to boost the FA and football overall in the country. These are the times when we have to stick together and fight it out,” George told TT FA Media on the eve of the match.

“We know the fans are disappointed and we as a team was also disappointed but as professionals we have had to put this past us and get on with the campaign. We have three games left and we owe it the administrators, the stakeholders and the fans to pull off something here in Panama. We owe ourselves a proper performance,” George said

“The FA wishes to further confirm that it has in fact made a request to FIFA to have the match sanctioned and is currently awaiting their approval.

“The FA will also like to place on record that it was only on the 29th of August 2017 it received from the TTSL information requested since early August by the FA to support the TTSL’s application to send to FIFA .

“The TTFA will in no way attempt to stall an event of this magnitude which is intended to aid the promotion of the sport in Trinidad and Tobago and the region.

“The FA will continue to support the development of the TTSL,” a TTFA press release stated.

The TTFA quoted Article 78 of its constitution which states, “The Authority for organising international matches and competitions between representative teams and between Leagues, Club teams and/or scratch teams lies solely with FIFA, the Confederation (s) and/or the Association (s) concerned. No such match or competition shall take place without the prior permission of FIFA, the Confederation (s), and/or the Association (s) concerned in accordance with the FIFA Regulations Governing International Matches.” It also cited Article 79 which states, “TTFA, its Members, Players, Officials and match and players’ agents shall not play matches or make sporting contact with Associations that are not Members of FIFA or with Provisional Members of a Confederation without the approval of FIFA.”

AMTSTC president, Rodney Ramlogan, said maxi taxi drivers’ children have also been affected by the delay in paying $12 million for services rendered in May, June and during the first two weeks of July.

“I don’t know how the minister could say that. He’s making it seem like only schoolchildren were affected but we have children too. Up to now, we can’t even afford to buy school books and uniforms to send them to school, so I don’t know how (Garcia) could say we using schoolchildren as pawns.” Ramlogan was speaking to Newsday yesterday about how a decision by members to withhold their services yesterday left a reported 30,000 primary and secondary school students stranded on the first day of the new school year. However this was disputed by the ministry, which cited data from School Supervisors in the seven education districts across Trinidad.

Chief Education Officer, Harrilal Seecharan, said a check of Government and Government- assisted schools revealed that “ten primary schools and 14 secondary schools were negatively impacted to some extent because of the disruption in the service.

In some cases, several maxi taxi concessionaires doubled up (to ensure affected students get to school).” Seecharan was speaking yesterday during a press conference at the Education Ministry’s head office, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, where Education Minister, Anthony Garcia, criticised the association’s actions.

“While I have absolutely no problem with any group of workers withholding their services; because that is their right, always remember that we must not use our children as pawns…Those maxi taxi drivers, if they had entered into discussions with me last night (Sunday), they would have been told that today (yesterday), a cheque for in excess of TT $6 million was forthcoming and later on this week, the remaining sum of (just under) $5 million would have been paid to them.

There was absolutely no need, as far as I see it, to take the type of action that was taken,” Garcia declared.

Management of the school bus system, including payments to drivers, is handled by the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC). That’s why the ministry issues cheques to the PTSC and not directly to the AMTSTC.

Garcia recalled that “sometime last week or the week before, we were able to give PTSC $1 million as part payment to maxi taxi drivers.

Today (yesterday); and this is what I wanted to discuss with (Ramlogan), we made available to PTSC in excess of $6 million; so that is in excess of $7 million. “ The minister added that he was informed “by our Permanent Secretary that later this week,” the remaining sum of just under $5 million will be paid.

This news did not appease the association. Ramlogan told Newsday that it’s not simply about keeping their word to withhold service until full payment is received. “Financially we can’t afford to go out to work.”

The winner of tonight’s match will qualify for Saturday’s final, while the loser will play in Thursday’s qualifier two for another chance to qualify for the final.

Bravo said his team will continue with the same mindset.

“We played 10 games so all of us are aware of what we have to do in order to get to the final.

It is nothing new, most of us as cricketers have been in this position before. It is playoffs, it is the knockout stage, but it is another cricket game.” Knight Riders and Patriots earned the right to play in qualifier one after finishing first and second respectively in the preliminary round of the tournament. Knight Riders finished with 16 points after getting eight wins and two losses, while Patriots ended on 13 points with six wins, three losses and one no result.

Bravo continued, “We have the same attitude, the same energy.

Once we approach it the same way hopefully we get the result that we looking for. Not because it is a playoff situation means your preparation must change or guys need to prepare differently.” Bravo said injured Kiwi Brendon McCullum, who suffered a fracture just above his left wrist on Saturday against the Barbados Tridents, will be missed.

“It is a big loss for us, Brendon has been good not only with the bat but the way he carries himself, he is a true professional off the field and I think his leadership skills definitely will be missed.

Very nice guy, the team will miss him for sure.” Australian Daniel Christian has been drafted into the team following McCullum’s injury. However, the TKR captain said aggressive opener William Perkins may feature in the team tonight. “We have William Perkins who is going to replace him.

We all know that he has potential so now it is time for him to step up.” FIXTURES:
Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Qualifier One, Today, 8 pm
Jamaica Tallawahs vs Guyana Amazon Warriors, Eliminator, Tomorrow, 8 pm
LoserQualifier One vs WinnerEliminator, Qualifier Two, Thursday, 8 pm
Winner Qualifier One vs Winner Qualifier Two, Saturday, 9 pm

I must, first of all, say well done to the organisers and all those who had a part in putting this excellent show together.

The combination of music with the fireworks put the icing on the cake.

I hope this is the start of many more to come.

My only suggestion for the next time is a longer show, if possible.

Once again, job well done, ANSA McAL.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email

The league leaders trounced Siparia Spurs 5-1, courtesy of a double from Carlon Hughes (52nd and 90th) and one apiece from Kendes Garcia (10th), Shaquille Ferrier (18th) and Russel Alfred (78th).

Sylvester Teesdale scored for Siparia, in the 11th.

FC Santa Rosa stayed four points adrift of Guaya after blanking hosts Bethel United 4-0 at the Mt Gomery Recreation Ground. Scoring two goals apiece were Kheelon Mitchell (19th and 69th) and Rashad Griffith (65th and 82nd).

In a clash of the servicemen, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s Training Field in Mucurapo, Defence Force edged Police 2-1.

Aaron Lester (10th) and Zebulun O’Brien (20th) scored fro Defence Force, with Colin Williams (43rd) responding for the lawmen.

Nigel Thomas (58th) and James Thomas (90th) were on target as 1976 Phoenix FC defeated the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT ) 2-0 at the Canaan/Bon Accord Recreation Ground.

At the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground in Moruga, Queen’s Park beat hosts Club Sando Moruga 4-3.

Devon Modeste’s hat-trick (19th, 49th and 85th) and Jabari Raphael’s item (70th) were enough for the Parkites to gain full points. Responding for Club Sando Moruga were Anderson Toussaint (54th), Andy London (74th) and Trevon Mitchell’s own goal (90th).

And, at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, Cunupia FC battled to a 2-2 draw vs WASA.

Kylon Gay (fifth) and Glen Walker (49th) gave WASA a 2-nil lead before Stevon Stoute replied with strikes in the 57th and 88th.

With overnight League Two leaders Prisons FC on a bye, Petit Valley/Diego Martin United moved from fourth place to the top of the pile on Saturday after a 1-0 win over Central 500 Spartans at the Edinburgh 500 Recreation Ground, Chaguanas. Former TT midfielder Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings was the hero for Petit Valley/ Diego Martin United, as he found the back of the net in the 66th.

Harlem Strikes remained in fifth place despite a narrow 2-1 win over Perseverance Ball Runners, at the New Settlement Recreation Ground, Caroni. Malcolm Nedd netted twice for Harlem, in the 11th and 20th, before Kareem Beckles pulled one back for Ball Runners, in the 37th.

But there were goals galore at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre as, in the clash of the table-proppers, Youth Stars recorded a 6-3 licking on Marabella FCC.

Terquiel Mahabal (sixth and 84th), Noel Williams (49th), Nathan Cadiz (53rd), L’Che Edwards (86th) and Levi Crawford’s own goal (89th) did the trick for Youth Stars. Kierron Mason replied for Marabella with a hat-trick (11th, 58th and 69th). In related news, the Caribbean Football Trust Limited (CFTL)-sponsored League Cup will kick off tomorrow with a trio of Round One matches.

Club Sando Moruga will host Harlem Strikers from 4 pm at the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground; Youth Stars will entertain Marabella FCC at the Roxborough Complex from 5 pm and, at six o’clock, Bethel United and Petit Valley/Diego Martin United will face off at the Mt Gomery Recreation Ground from 6 pm.

The United States grabbed a total of 13 medals inclusive of eight gold, three silver and two bronze as they defeated Canada for the nation leaving with the most medals. Canada ended with 11 medals (four gold, four silver and three bronze) while Columbia’s team came in third with 10 medals, also with four gold, four silver but two bronze. During the final day events, the 1km Men’s Time Trial saw Colombia’s Fabian Puerta securing the gold with his time of 1:01.49, followed by his compatriot Santiago Ramirez 1:02.02 in second and TT ’s Alexander in 1:03.31 in the bronze position.

Speaking to Newsday about the TT ’s performance at the Pan Am Championships, manager of the local contingent, Joel Browne, stated, “I think things went nicely as we expected the sprinters to do well in the team event as they got the Pan Am silver. We were expecting to do a little better in the Keirin, however, with Bramble’s injury and the high quality competition, Kwasi Browne’s fifth positioning was not a bad result.” Focusing on the sprint and team pursuit, he said, “Our top sprinter, Njisane Phillip, got a puncture while doing the Flying 200M, and it is a bit difficult to recover from such a setback. Both the men and women’s Pursuit teams performed above our expectations, especially the female team as it was their first time.

“All things being equal, I think all riders did their best in the competition and we certainly hope they continue to work hard, especially the newest sprint team as they have a lot of potential moving forward and have only been training together for two weeks.” Teniel Campbell placed seventh in the Women’s 500M Time Trial with her time of 36.58 seconds.

Mexico’s Jessica Salazar took gold in the event with her ride of 34.39 seconds as she was closely followed by Martha Bayona of Colombia in 34.63 seconds.

Mandy Marquardt secured the bronze for the United Stated with her time of 35.18 seconds.

TT ’s Jessica Costa placed 16th in the race. Campbell placed ninth overall in the Women’s Keirin as the event was won by Bayona of Columbia. Marquardt, representing the United States, came in second while Mexico’s Daniela Gaxiola secured the final podium spot with the bronze.

The Men’s Madison event saw United States’ team defeating Argentina to take the gold medal after accumulating 35 points. Riders Zachary Carlson and Zachary Kovalcik held off Thomas Contte and Sebastian Trillini of Argentina as they only secured 27 points. Colombia rode away with the bronze medal with 26 points provided by their cyclists Jordan Parra and Edwin Avila.

The Pan Am Championships ended on Sunday night as the continental contest, which brought together over 150 cyclists from 20 countries, gave tickets for athletes to the upcoming track cycling tournament of the XXIII Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, scheduled for next year in Barranquilla, Columbia.

Lewis was on the brink of creating history when he was unbeaten on 97 off 31 deliveries with the scores level at the start of the eighth over.

At this point, a boundary would have given Lewis the fastest hundred in CPL history and the second fastest in T20 cricket history.

With Lewis on strike, Pollard bowled a no ball to hand Patriots the win and subsequently deny Lewis the milestone as the Patriots raced to victory in only seven overs while chasing 129. The anticlimactic ending did not go down well with cricket fans throughout the region and the world with many expressing outrage with the actions of Pollard.

Lewis was disappointed but still contented after his knock. Lewis said, “It hurts (missing out on a century), but hitting 97 not out off 32 balls? I’ll take that any day.” Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, who has played against Pollard in the Indian Premier League for a number of years, expressed his disappointment on Twitter. Jadeja tweeted, “Kieron Pollard Bowls No Balls To Stop Evin Lewis (97* of 32 Balls) From The Second-fastest T20 Century. Bad Sportsmanship.” Former New Zealand fast bowler Danny Morrison, who was commentating the match said, “(Lewis) deserved a hundred and I’ve got to say, as positive and excited as I am, it’s a pretty disappointing way for Pollard to finish the game.” Even Pollard’s own Tridents teammate Tino Best “liked’ a post on Twitter criticising his captain.

But one person who defended Pollard’s move was his Tridents teammate and compatriot Nicholas Pooran. On Instagram, Pooran said, “Everyone who is criticizing this man for depriving Evin of his century I am ashamed of you all. I hope those cricket fans and cricketers who posting (expletive) about Pollard I do hope when you all are playing cricket and a guy is on 96 with one run to go I hope u guys give him his century. I am so disappointed in the cricketers and cricket fans for bashing this guy you all know yourself, and I hope you guys feel good by doing this. The saying is right “jealously kills” look at his life and what he has accomplished and then look at yours, if you guys “smart or know everything” do the math! Enjoy your life folks.”

Ma Pau, over the years, has developed a relationship with the North Zone Basketball Commission and supported various events. The Zone is featuring four divisions – Boys 16 and under; Boys 21 and under; Girls 18 and under; and Men Open Divisions.

The Zone has an estimated 315 players and action is expected to conclude this month.

The North Zone is a very critical component in local sports as it helps many players gain athletic scholarships at American colleges and universities through the NCAA scholarship programme.

Players competing in the league boast improved skill level and personal development.

Many players are recognised as role models in their communities and some have even obtained employment because of their basketball skills which are highlighted through the local media.

“Ma Pau identifies with the positive message telegraphed by the North Zone Basketball Commission and shares the value of building the community through sports,” a press release yesterday stated.

The Breakfast Beyond the Boundary with Nescafe initiative took place yesterday and gave Mitchell the opportunity to have breakfast and interact with members of the Trinbago Knight Riders squad at Hilton Hotel.

Mitchell, who is a Barrackpore resident, met players Colin Munro, Robert Frylinck and Hamza Tariq and manager Colin Borde.

Fifteen lucky winners also won two tickets each to one game in the preliminary stage of the CPL.

Contestants had to apply online to win the competition.

Mitchell said it was a privilege to meet the Trinbago Knight Riders members and he is looking forward to the final.

“It was exciting, it was my first time getting to meet the players and it will be my first time going to watch cricket. To meet these foreign players was a good opportunity.” Mitchell, who is a UWI St Augustine student, believes either the Knight Riders or the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will win the title. Mitchell thanked Nestle for the initiative.