Suriname Major League


The Suriname Major League 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. 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.
WWW sml.sr

Start of professional football

Even before its commencement in 2024, it was common for footballers to have contracts with clubs. 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.
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.

Teams

The Suriname Major League started in 2024 with the following teams:
TeamLocationStadiumCapacityJoinedHead coach
Flora FCFlora, Paramaribo DistrictDr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion3,5002024Rafael Everton
F.C. Inter WanicaMeerzorg, Commewijne DistrictMeerzorg Stadion1,3002024Eugenne Remak
Inter MoengotapoeMoengo, Marowijne DistrictRonnie Brunswijkstadion3,0002024Ronnie Brunswijk
Politie Voetbal VriendenParamaribo, Paramaribo DistrictMgr. Aloysius Zichem Sportcentrum3,0002024Hesron Jeroe
S.V. BrokiAbrabroki, Paramaribo DistrictMgr. Aloysius Zichem Sportcentrum3,0002024Henk Verveer
S.V. Leo VictorParamaribo, Paramaribo DistrictDr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion3,5002024Rogillo Kolf
S.V. NotchMoengo, Marowijne DistrictMoengo Stadion2,0002024Rafael Everton
S.V. RobinhoodParamaribo, Paramaribo DistrictDr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion3,5002024Roberto Godeken
S.V. TransvaalParamaribo, Paramaribo DistrictAndré Kamperveen Stadion7,1002024Raymond Mannen
S.V. VoorwaartsParamaribo, Paramaribo DistrictVoorwaartsveld1,5002024Werner Blackson