Suriname’s Journey to World Cup Stardom Brian Tevreden Reveals Stanley Menzo’s Recipe for Fairytale Success
Suriname is on the brink of a historic achievement in football, aiming for World Cup qualification. If they defeat El Salvador this week, they will take a significant step towards this goal. Suriname, currently ranked 126th worldwide, could become the lowest-ranked team to qualify since FIFA rankings were established, surpassing North Korea, which was ranked 105th for the 2010 World Cup.
The Rise of Suriname’s Football Team
This nation, with just over 600,000 residents, has recently experienced a surge in national pride and excitement surrounding its football team. Brian Tevreden, Suriname’s general manager, emphasized the transformative impact of this journey: “It is like a fairytale,” he stated, highlighting the national excitement surrounding the team’s games.
Rapid Ticket Sales and Community Support
The enthusiasm is palpable. Tickets for the upcoming match against El Salvador sold out within 30 minutes. Tevreden remarked on the potential cultural impact of World Cup qualification: “The country would shut down for a whole month.” Four years ago, under Tevreden’s management, the team faced challenges such as a lack of proper training equipment. However, the team’s trajectory has significantly changed since then.
Stanley Menzo’s Key Role
Central to Suriname’s strategy is head coach Stanley Menzo, a legendary figure in the nation’s football history. Menzo, who rose to prominence as a goalkeeper at Ajax, is credited with modernizing goalkeeping in the region. According to Tevreden, his return to the team was crucial for building a strong rapport with the players, many of whom look up to him as a father figure.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
Suriname’s climb to the top of their qualifying group has included pivotal moments such as a stoppage-time equalizer against Guatemala. Currently, they lead their group with two matches left to play. Tevreden referenced the emotional scenes witnessed in the stadium, where supporters from diverse backgrounds came together in celebration, showcasing the unifying power of sport.
The Impact of FIFA Rule Changes
The rejuvenation of Suriname’s football fortunes stems from a critical FIFA rule change. This policy now permits players of Surinamese descent born in the Netherlands to represent Suriname, unlocking a wealth of talent. This change comes fifty years after Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands.
Utilizing Talent from the Netherlands
- Players like Ruud Gullit, Clarence Seedorf, and Edgar Davids have Surinamese ancestry.
- Current players include Sheraldo Becker and Dhoraso Klas, both instrumental in recent victories.
Tevreden has worked diligently to shift perceptions around Surinamese football. In the past, players were often hesitant to join the national team due to its low FIFA ranking and reputation. But positive experiences from those who made the switch have begun changing minds.
Community Engagement and Future Goals
Tevreden’s vision includes fostering local expertise while incorporating lessons from abroad. He believes that blending local and international knowledge will create a sustainable football framework in Suriname.
A Personal Journey
Tevreden’s connection to Suriname is deeply personal, shaped by the memory of his mother, a native of the country who passed away two years ago. He continues to honor her legacy and dreams of taking Suriname to the World Cup, a goal he believes they can achieve.
Suriname’s journey signifies hope and determination, and they stand just two games away from achieving what once seemed impossible. “It is our time,” Tevreden declares, as the nation rallies behind its team.
