Menzo on Path of Suriname, World Cup Goals, and Influence of Cruyff

Stanley Menzo, the former Dutch goalkeeper, has taken on a significant challenge by returning to Suriname, the country of his birth, to lead its national team toward a potential first-ever FIFA World Cup™ qualification. For a country with a population of only 630,000, qualifying would be a major accomplishment, on par with Iceland’s breakthrough in international football.

Menzo’s squad has started strong, leading their group in Concacaf’s World Cup qualifiers with two wins.

Menzo says, noting that with host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico already qualified, Suriname has three additional spots in the region to compete for.

Having left Suriname at the age of six, Menzo developed his playing style under the guidance of Johan Cruyff at Ajax, emphasizing possession and fluid play. However, he remains flexible, stating,

Since beginning his second term as Suriname’s coach in March 2024, Menzo has seen promising results, which he attributes to Suriname general manager Brian Tevreden, who helped bring him back to the national setup.

Currently ranked 136th, Suriname recently held 43rd-placed Costa Rica to a 1-1 draw, marking notable progress. Menzo is eager for the challenge against Canada and its star players, like Alphonso Davies, as a way to assess the team’s growth.

Menzo brings extensive experience, having made over 300 appearances for Ajax, winning European and domestic titles, and representing the Netherlands on the international stage. Known for his ball-playing ability as a goalkeeper, Menzo credits Cruyff for instilling in him the idea that a goalkeeper should play like an outfield player.

Menzo’s career has also had difficult moments, as he faced racism from fans in the Netherlands, enduring insults and abuse from the stands.

he reflects, advising young players not to let negative experiences take away their passion for the game.

Since retiring as a player in 2002, Menzo has stayed active in football, coaching in various countries. Reflecting on his coaching, he shares, “I love seeing an idea I have in my head come to life on the field.”

Now, Menzo is focused on giving back to Suriname. With strong ties to the Netherlands, his team includes players born there who are eager to represent their heritage. Tevreden has played a crucial role in recruiting talent, with players drawn to Suriname’s progress and ambitions.

For Menzo, leading Suriname to the World Cup would be deeply meaningful.

he says, hinting that it could be the perfect conclusion to his long career.