— A historic week for Guyanese sports concludes with a major institutional shift for cricket, a legendary appointment for a West Indies icon, and the crowning of a “Rising Star” on the road. Here is your comprehensive sports wrap-up.
Football: New Referees Enter the Field
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has successfully concluded its first Referee Introductory Course for 2026. Held from February 6–8 at the National Training Centre in Providence, the program represents a critical step in building officiating capacity across the country.
- The Training: Six participants underwent three days of intensive classroom theory on the Laws of the Game combined with practical field sessions and fitness training.
- Leadership: The course was facilitated by Sherwin Johnson, Abdulla Hamid, and Natasha Lewis, under the coordination of Lenval Peart and fitness instructor Tyrone Tyrell.
Futsal: Drama at the National Gymnasium
The Team Spirit Xtra Futsal Tournament delivered high-stakes drama on Tuesday night in Georgetown. Both fixtures of the night were decided by the narrowest of margins:
- Match 1: Stevedore outlasted Avocado Ballers, securing victory via a penalty shootout.
- Match 2: Gaza Squad mirrored that success, defeating Good Vibes on penalties to advance.
Cycling: Ajani Cutting Ascends at Beacon Café Race
In a display of tactical brilliance and endurance, Ajani Cutting emerged as the champion of the Beacon Café Paceline Road Race on Sunday.
Top Finishers (Open Category):
- Ajani Cutting (Champion)
- Alexis Mendes
- Brighton John
- Jamaul John
- Robin Persaud
- Aaron Newton
Cricket: GCB Joins the Olympic Family
In a move that fundamentally changes the landscape of the sport in Guyana, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has officially gained affiliation with the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).
- The Milestone: After satisfying all governance and financial requirements, cricket is now officially part of Guyana’s Olympic system.
- The Opportunity: This paves the way for Guyanese cricketers to represent the nation at the Pan American Games, South American Games, and the LA 2028 Olympic Games, where cricket is set to make its historic return after over a century.
Cricket: Sir Clive Lloyd Set to Lead Lancashire
The GCB has extended its warmest congratulations to the legendary Sir Clive Lloyd on his pending appointment as President of the Lancashire County Cricket Club in England.
- The Legacy: Sir Clive, who led the West Indies to two World Cup titles, spent 20 years with Lancashire, scoring over 12,000 runs in 219 first-class matches.
- The Role: His nomination was unanimously endorsed by the club’s board and awaits final ratification at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. Sir Clive previously served as the club’s Vice President and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2020.
