The Surinamese Football Federation announced today, Sunday, the appointment of the experienced Dutch coach Henk ten Cate as the new head coach of the national team. This appointment comes as part of the team's efforts to prepare for the continental playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Ten Cate (71 years old) has an extensive coaching career, having previously managed Ajax Amsterdam and served as an assistant coach at major European clubs such as Barcelona and Chelsea, in addition to working with numerous other clubs in the Netherlands and various countries.

The new coach will lead the Surinamese national team in their quest for their first-ever qualification to the World Cup finals. Suriname faces a crucial playoff match against Bolivia on March 26 in Monterrey, Mexico. If they win, they will face the winner of Iraq on March 31 to decide the qualification spot.

It is noted that this appointment came following the resignation of the former coach Stanley Menzo, after the loss to Guatemala last November, which eliminated the team from the chance of automatic qualification. The Surinamese federation expressed full confidence in Ten Cate's experience and ability to lead the team to the highest levels.