PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Henk ten Cate, the 71-year-old Dutch manager at the helm of the Suriname national football team, is boldly declaring his ambition to lead the South American nation to its first-ever FIFA World Cup. The veteran coach, who has managed clubs across Europe and the Middle East, believes qualification is within reach, and is actively pursuing players with dual nationality to bolster the squad. This pursuit includes West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville, as well as efforts to secure the eligibility of Danilho Doekhi of Union Berlin and Javairo Dilrosun of Al Sadd.
Ten Cate’s confidence stems from a belief in the potential of the current squad and a strategic approach to identifying and recruiting players who can craft a significant impact. Suriname is set to face Bolivia at the end of March in a crucial qualifying match, with a subsequent tie against Iraq looming if they advance. The stakes are high, as victory would put Suriname one step closer to a coveted spot in the United States-hosted World Cup.
Summerville a Key Target
The pursuit of Crysencio Summerville is particularly significant. Ten Cate acknowledges that the 24-year-old (born October 30, 2001) is currently thriving at West Ham United, and recognizes the possibility that Summerville may also be considering a future with the Netherlands national team under Ronald Koeman. “Crycensio plays brilliantly now, but I don’t decide the selection for Oranje, that’s up to Ronald,” Ten Cate stated, as reported by multiple Dutch outlets. “We have to wait and observe: if we qualify for the World Cup with Suriname, that might open fresh doors.”
Summerville’s current form is undeniable. As of February 21, 2026, he has made 41 appearances for West Ham United, scoring 5 goals. His journey to the Premier League has been a winding one, starting with the Feyenoord academy in 2008, followed by loan spells at FC Dordrecht and ADO Den Haag before a successful stint with Leeds United. He has also represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, from U16 to U21.
Navigating FIFA Regulations for Doekhi and Dilrosun
Securing the services of Danilho Doekhi presents a different challenge. Doekhi, who currently plays for Union Berlin, has previously represented the Netherlands at youth levels, which complicates his eligibility for Suriname. Ten Cate revealed that the Surinamese Football Association has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to seek FIFA’s approval for Doekhi to switch allegiances. “He really wants to, but FIFA has to provide permission because he previously played for the Oranje youth teams,” Ten Cate explained. “We have therefore gone to the CAS, but hopefully we can reach a solution earlier.”
Javairo Dilrosun, currently playing for Al Sadd in Qatar, is also eager to join the Surinamese squad. Dilrosun has a prior senior international appearance for the Netherlands, having featured as a substitute once at the age of 18. Ten Cate is optimistic about adding Dilrosun to the team, believing his experience and talent would be valuable assets.
A Bold Vision for Surinamese Football
Ten Cate’s ambition extends beyond simply qualifying for the World Cup. He envisions a transformation of Surinamese football, fueled by a combination of talented players and a strong sense of national pride. He believes that a successful World Cup campaign would not only elevate the profile of the nation but also create opportunities for future generations of Surinamese footballers. “I believe wholeheartedly in our chances. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have started,” Ten Cate told Het Parool.
The coach is acutely aware of the financial incentives that playing for a major footballing nation like the Netherlands can offer. “Not just with Summerville, but with many boys between roughly 22 and 24, that consideration plays a role. Just in terms of salary, it can make a sizeable difference if you have ‘Netherlands’ behind your name,” he noted. But, he remains hopeful that the allure of representing Suriname and potentially achieving World Cup glory will be enough to sway players like Summerville.
The upcoming match against Bolivia is therefore pivotal. Ten Cate has instilled a mantra within the team: “We’re really going to qualify for the World Cup, that must be our mantra.” It’s a bold statement, but one that reflects the coach’s unwavering belief in the potential of Surinamese football and his determination to make history.
For Suriname, a nation with a rich cultural heritage and a growing passion for football, qualifying for the World Cup would be a monumental achievement. Ten Cate’s leadership and his pursuit of talented players represent a significant step towards realizing that dream. The eyes of the footballing world will be on Paramaribo as Suriname embarks on this challenging but potentially rewarding journey.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Suriname national team is their World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia at the end of March. Further updates on player eligibility and team preparations will be released by the Surinamese Football Association.
