By Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News|
Basketball, Football and Cricket Highlight Packed Night of Sports Action
Guyana’s sporting calendar for 2026 is shaping up to be one of its busiest and most ambitious in recent years, with major developments across basketball, football and cricket at both the local and international levels.
Guyana Basketball Federation Unveils Ambitious 2026 Calendar
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has announced a comprehensive and demanding calendar of events for 2026, aimed at strengthening player development and competitive performance across all age groups and formats.
The schedule spans youth, domestic, regional and international competitions for both men and women, with a strong focus on consistent game exposure. Key highlights include school and premier leagues, expanded 3×3 basketball programmes, major women’s tournaments, and participation in multiple FIBA-sanctioned and regional events.
Federation officials say the packed calendar will require significant commitment from players, coaches and officials, but insist it is a necessary step in elevating Guyana’s basketball profile both locally and on the international stage.
Team Guyana Competing in E-FIBA South American Qualifiers
In more basketball news, Team Guyana is currently competing in the E-FIBA Season Four South American Qualifiers on the NBA 2K26 platform.
Based at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the team is facing off against Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela, with the regional champion earning a place in the global finals in Qatar.
Guyana’s seven-player roster is captained by Jether Harris and includes Craig Harlequin, Roshan Washington, Treston Burnett, Akeem Morrison, Tyrees Arthur and Hurton Rodney. The team’s participation is being supported by One Communications, which has provided high-speed fibre connectivity to ensure stable training and competition.
GFF League Cup Set for February Kick-Off
Turning to football, the 2026 Guyana Football Federation League Cup is scheduled to run from February 14 to March 7, featuring nine of the country’s top clubs competing for a $1 million top prize.
The participating teams are Slingerz FC, Western Tigers FC, GDF FC, GPF FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Santos FC, Den Amstel FC, Monedderlust FC and Ann’s Grove United FC. The tournament will follow a group-stage and knockout format, with cash prizes awarded to the top four finishers.
Guyana Women Fall Short in T20 Blaze Clash
In cricket, Guyana’s women suffered a setback in the 2026 CWI Women’s T20I Blaze Tournament, going down to Barbados at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Wednesday.
Batting first, Barbados posted 92 for 8 from their 20 overs, with Aaliyah Alleyne top-scoring with an unbeaten 38. Kaysia Schultz was the standout bowler for Guyana, taking 4 for 13.
In reply, Guyana were bowled out for 70 in 19.4 overs, despite an unbeaten 41 from Shabika Gajnabi. Hayley Matthews’ Barbados side sealed victory, with Theanny Herbert-Mayers claiming 3 for 16.
The loss officially ends Guyana’s hopes of retaining their T20 Blaze title. The team will now contest a placement match on January 23 before turning attention to the Regional Super50 tournament.
Windies U-19s Defeat South Africa at World Cup
Finally, at the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup, the West Indies recorded an impressive 55-run victory over South Africa at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek.
Batting first, the Windies Under-19s were dismissed for 234 in 47.5 overs, powered by a superb 114 from Zachary Carter and 29 from Jonathan Van Lange. South Africa’s Jacob Basson was the pick of the bowlers with 5 for 23.
In response, South Africa were bowled out for 179 in 37.4 overs. Jason Rowles top-scored with 46, but Shaquan Belle delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, claiming 6 for 40 to seal the victory.
