In a highly anticipated event attended by media representatives and staff from the Central Bureau of Civil Affairs (CBB), eight players from the Surinamese national football team were officially presented with their new passports on Thursday. The ceremony, held at the CBB headquarters, was graced by the presence of CBB Director Anastatia Pokie and Suriname’s Minister of Home Affairs, Marinus Bee, both of whom visibly enjoyed the occasion. Director Pokie took the opportunity to deliver a motivational speech ahead of the team’s World Cup qualifier against Guatemala later that evening. She emphasized the significance of the match, coinciding with the Day of the Maroons, urging the players to honor their homeland with a strong performance. Minister Bee, in a brief address, expressed immense pride in the current generation of Natio players and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support. He highlighted the symbolic importance of the team, stating that they represent not just Suriname’s 600,000 residents but also the 1.5 million Surinamese people worldwide. Brian Tevreden, the national team’s general manager, thanked Minister Bee and the CBB for expediting the passport issuance. Tevreden has been instrumental in securing eligibility for players of Surinamese descent who previously lacked Surinamese passports. For this international window, he successfully integrated three new players into the squad: Jay-Roy Grot, a striker from Danish club Odense; Djavan Anderson, a right-back from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittifaq; and Djenairo Daniels, a forward from Scottish club Kilmarnock. Among the players receiving their new e-passports were returning playmaker Tjaronn Chery, forward Sheraldo Becker, captain Shaquille Pinas, defender Dion Malone, goalkeeper Warner Hahn, and Robinhood midfielder Renske Adipi. Left-back Ridgeciano Haps, who collected his travel document with a broad smile, remarked that while the passport is essential for eligibility, his connection to Suriname runs deeper than any paperwork.