New chapter for Suriname: Henk Fraser takes charge as national coach

Henk Fraser, 60, has been named the new national team coach of Suriname, the Surinaamse Voetbal Bond (SVB) announced today. The appointment makes Fraser the head of the Natio, with the SVB expecting his experience to shape the side’s future. He will assume full responsibility on the bench from September.

Fraser replaces Henk ten Cate, who departed after Suriname failed to qualify for the WK. Ten Cate’s tenure ended when the Natio could not secure a place at the World Cup, prompting the SVB to seek fresh leadership.

Ten Cate’s exit followed a semi‑final loss to Bolivia in the late‑March play‑off round for WK qualification. The experienced coach left the Surinamese set‑up after that defeat, leaving the role vacant for Fraser.

Fraser brings a résumé built on Dutch club management, having coached ADO Den Haag, Vitesse, Sparta Rotterdam, FC Utrecht and RKC Waalwijk. These appointments gave him the necessary experience to guide a national side.

Beyond club duties, Fraser served as assistant to Louis van Gaal with the Netherlands and acted as right‑hand to Stanley Menzo for Suriname in 2025. Those roles added international insight to his coaching portfolio.

Met Fraser’s background as a former defender of Feyenoord, he now takes the reins of the Natio himself. His playing career in the Dutch league complements his extensive coaching record.

Fraser left Shaanxi Union in June after a half‑year stint in China, citing personal circumstances. The move frees him to focus on his new role with the Surinaamse Voetbal Bond, where he will begin his tenure in September.