The Maroon Warriors
An academic exploration of the Suriname national football team's journey, from its South American roots to its CONCACAF aspirations.
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Team Profile
Overview
The Suriname national football team, colloquially known as the Maroon Warriors (Natio), represents Suriname in international association football. The team is governed by the Surinaamse Voetbal Bond (SVB), which is affiliated with CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Affiliations & Key Personnel
Association: Surinaamse Voetbal Bond (SVB)
Confederation: CONCACAF
Sub-confederation: Caribbean Football Union (CFU)
Current Head Coach: Stanley Menzo
Captain: Dion Malone
Most Caps: Marlon Felter (48)
Top Scorer: Gleofilo Vlijter (15)
Home Stadium: Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion
FIFA Standing
FIFA Code: SUR
Current FIFA Ranking: 131 (with a +5 increase as of 18 September 2025)
Highest Ranking Achieved: 84 (August 2008)
Lowest Ranking Achieved: 191 (December 2015)
Historical Context
Geographical Anomaly in CONCACAF
Despite its geographical location in South America, Suriname competes within CONCACAF, a unique arrangement shared with Guyana and French Guiana. This continental affiliation has shaped its competitive landscape and opportunities. Suriname was instrumental in the formation of CONCACAF in 1961, underscoring its early commitment to regional football development.
Regional Achievements
The national team has achieved notable success at the regional level. Suriname secured victory in the 1978 CFU Championship and was the runner-up in the 1979 edition. Furthermore, the team has consistently performed well in the CFU Championship/Caribbean Cup, earning three fourth-place finishes, demonstrating sustained competitiveness within the Caribbean football sphere.
The Dual Nationality Dynamic
Suriname's footballing narrative is significantly influenced by its historical ties to the Netherlands and the resulting diaspora. The nation's policy discouraging dual citizenship has historically barred players holding a Netherlands passport from national team selection. This has led to many talented Dutch-born players of Surinamese descent, such as Ruud Gullit, Clarence Seedorf, and Virgil van Dijk, representing the Netherlands instead. Humphrey Mijnals, who played for both nations, was recognized as the Surinamese footballer of the century in 1999, highlighting the complex player pool.
World Cup and Olympic Aspirations
Suriname has participated in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches since 1962, though qualification for the final tournament has remained elusive. The most promising campaign was for the 1978 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the final group stage of CONCACAF qualification. Similarly, near-misses in Olympic qualifiers, such as the 1964 and 1980 campaigns, reflect the team's persistent efforts to achieve international prominence.
Modern Era and Gold Cup Qualification
In recent years, Suriname has strategically leveraged players of Surinamese descent residing abroad. A notable initiative involved assembling a professional squad of players with Surinamese heritage to bolster their chances for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, supported by FIFA. This approach culminated in qualifying for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, marking their first appearance in a CONCACAF tournament since 1985. Their debut in the 2021 Gold Cup saw them compete against Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Guadeloupe, finishing third in their group after a victory against Guadeloupe.
Recent & Upcoming Fixtures
Match Records
The following is a compilation of recent match results and scheduled future fixtures, providing insight into the team's current form and upcoming challenges.
Coaching & Technical Staff
Current Staff
As of June 2025, the technical staff guiding the national team includes:
Staff | |
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Head Coach | |
Assistant Coach | |
Assistant Coach | |
Assistant Coach | |
Assistant Coach | |
Goalkeeping Coach | |
Fitness Coach | |
Team Doctor | |
Physiotherapists |
Coaching History
Evolution of Leadership
The management of the Suriname national football team has seen a diverse array of coaches, reflecting the team's dynamic history and evolving strategies. The following is a chronological overview of individuals who have led the team, including caretaker managers noted in italics.
Kit Manufacturers
Apparel History
The evolution of the Suriname national football team's kits reflects its journey through different eras and partnerships with sportswear manufacturers. The following table details the kit suppliers and the periods of their association.
Kit Supplier | Period |
---|---|
2001–2002 | |
2002 | |
2008–2010 | |
2011–2014 | |
2015–2024 | |
2024–present |
FIFA Ranking Trajectory
Performance Metrics
The FIFA World Ranking provides a quantitative measure of the national team's standing within the global football community. Suriname's ranking has experienced fluctuations, reflecting periods of strong performance and challenges.
FIFA ranking | |
---|---|
Current | 131 |
Highest | 84 (August 2008) |
Lowest | 191 (December 2015) |
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References
References
- Draws include knockout matches decided on a penalty shootout.
- Includes matches against the Netherlands Antilles.
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, employing a persona of a Professional PhD Professor, to provide an academically rigorous overview of the Suriname national football team. The content is derived exclusively from the provided Source of Truth and is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
This is not professional sports analysis or official team representation. The information presented is based on data available at a specific point in time and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments. Always consult official sources for the latest team information and statistics.
The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information herein. Users are encouraged to cross-reference information with official sporting bodies and reputable academic sources.