Surinam’s national football team head coach Henk ten Cate has unveiled his final squad selection for the decisive World Cup qualification matches scheduled in Monterrey, Mexico. The team will face Bolivia on March 26th, with a potential subsequent match against Iraq five days later if victorious.
Notable inclusions feature Leeds United striker Joel Piroe and LASK defensive midfielder Melayro Bogarde, both receiving their maiden national team call-ups and poised to make their international debuts. Goalkeeper Jahnilo Wiegel from Belgian club KFC Houtvenne also earns his first selection, replacing Jonathan Fonkel as third-choice goalkeeper behind established keepers Etienne Vaessen and Warner Hahn.
Despite injury concerns, first-choice goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen has been included after missing recent club matches with FC Groningen due to muscle discomfort. The technical staff has confirmed his fitness for potential playing time during the qualifiers.
Midfielder Jean-Paul Boëtius represents another significant selection after recently signing with RKC Waalwijk following his contract termination with Darmstadt—a move reportedly influenced by Ten Cate’s advice. This strategic transfer ensures Boëtius remains eligible for national duty while maintaining match fitness.
Ten Cate’s influence extends beyond squad selection, having played advisory roles in recent player transfers including Sheraldo Becker’s move from Osasuna to Mainz and Immanuel Pherai’s switch from HSV Hamburg to SV Elversberg to regain match rhythm ahead of the qualifiers.
The complete squad will assemble in Mexico on Sunday and Monday for their first physical gathering under Ten Cate, followed by three intensive training sessions before the crucial Bolivia encounter. Preparation has primarily occurred through extensive Zoom sessions where Ten Cate and assistants Winston Bogarde and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink meticulously detailed tactical approaches for each positional line.