Suriname have appointed Henk ten Cate as their new head coach. The Surinamese Football Association (SVB) confirmed the hiring of the veteran Dutch tactician earlier this week.
“The SVB has full confidence that his expertise, tactical insights, and leadership can elevate the squad to the highest level,” said the Association.
The 71-year-old former Ajax coach is familiar with the Suriname set-up, having served as an assistant coach there in 2023. Ten Cate will now be on the touchline for Suriname at the FIFA Play-off Tournament in March, as the Concacaf side attempt to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup™.
Suriname have been drawn into Path 2 at Monterrey Stadium and will face Bolivia in the semi-final on 26 March. Should Ten Cate’s charges emerge with a victory against the CONMEBOL outfit, they will meet Iraq in the final on 31 March, with the winner of that contest qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Suriname finished in second place in Group A in the final round of Concacaf qualifying to earn a spot in the Play-off Tournament. With wins against Bolivia and Iraq, they will advance to next year’s global showpiece and slot into Group I with France, Norway and Senegal.
