The Suriname Major League (SML) is the professional football league in Suriname.
The competition was launched on 22February 2024, by the Surinamese Football Association as a successor to the SVB Eerste Divisie, formerly known as the SVBHoofdklasse. With the start of the SML, professional football was introduced in Suriname, initially as a pilot project for the first four years.De Ware Tijd, Profvoetbal een gok, 26 February 2024 The first goal in SML history was scored by Jamilhio Rigters of S.V. Robinhood in the opening match on 23February 2024, against S.V. Transvaal at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion. Following a goal from Jercinio Grendel of Transvaal, the match ended in a draw.De Ware Tijd, Robinhood en Transvaal pakken eerste punt in Suriname Major League, 23 February 2024
Start of professional football Even before its commencement in 2024, it was common for footballers to have contracts with clubs.Dagblad Suriname, SML en de verandering in woon- en werkomstandigheden van de voetballers, 26 Februari 2024 At the outset, it was assumed that not all players would derive their entire income from football, and it was expected to include both professional and semi-professional players. During the official launch on 22 February 2024, SVB President John Krishnadath expressed the expectation that the professionalization of Surinamese football would create around 250 to 500 jobs. Not only the players but also the club owners will benefit from the competition.De West, Vandaag officiële start eerste profleague in Suriname, 24 February 2024
The goal of the SML is to accelerate the development of Surinamese football. FIFA representative Herve Blanchard, as well as Minister Gracia Emanuël and Suriname Olympic Committee President Ramon Tjon-A-Fat, were present at the launch.Suriname Herald, “Suriname Major League zal minimaal 250 tot 500 banen creëren”, 22 February 2024
Teams The Suriname Major League started in 2024 with the following teams:Dagblad Suriname, SML Programma Week 4 & Standenlijst van de SVB, 11 March 2024 TeamLocationStadium CapacityJoinedHead coachFlora FCFlora, Paramaribo DistrictDr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion 3,500 2024 Rafael EvertonF.C. Inter WanicaMeerzorg, Commewijne DistrictMeerzorg Stadion1,3002024Eugenne RemakInter MoengotapoeMoengo, Marowijne DistrictRonnie Brunswijkstadion3,0002024Ronnie BrunswijkPolitie Voetbal Vrienden Paramaribo, Paramaribo DistrictMgr. Aloysius Zichem Sportcentrum3,0002024Hesron JeroeS.V. BrokiAbrabroki, Paramaribo DistrictMgr. Aloysius Zichem Sportcentrum3,0002024Henk Verveer (Assistant)S.V. Leo VictorParamaribo, Paramaribo DistrictDr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion3,5002024Rogillo KolfS.V. NotchMoengo, Marowijne DistrictMoengo Stadion2,0002024Rafael EvertonS.V. RobinhoodParamaribo, Paramaribo DistrictDr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion3,5002024Roberto GodekenS.V. TransvaalParamaribo, Paramaribo DistrictAndré Kamperveen Stadion7,1002024Raymond MannenS.V. VoorwaartsParamaribo, Paramaribo DistrictVoorwaartsveld1,5002024Werner Blackson
Titles by club +ClubCityTitlesWinning yearsRobinhoodParamaribo1 2024Inter MoengotapoeMoengo12025BrokiAbrabroki12025–26
See also Football in Suriname List of football clubs in Suriname
References
External links Official website SVB