| Suriname Major League (SML) | |
| Pixels: | 150px |
| Organiser: | Surinamese Football Association |
| Founded: | 22 February 2024 |
| First: | 2024 |
| Country: | Suriname |
| Teams: | 10 |
| Sponsor: | Telesur, GOw2 & Powerade |
| Website: | https://sml.sr/ |
| Level: | 1 |
| Most Successful: | Robinhood (24 titles) |
The Suriname Major League (SML) is the professional football league in Suriname.
The competition was launched on February 22, 2024, by the Surinamese Football Association as a successor to the SVB Eerste Divisie, formerly known as the SVB Hoofdklasse. With the start of the SML, professional football was introduced in Suriname, initially as a pilot project for the first four years.[1] The first goal in SML history was scored by Jamilhio Rigters of S.V. Robinhood in the opening match on February 23, 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.[2]
Even before its commencement in 2024, it was common for footballers to have contracts with clubs.[3] 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 February 22, 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.[4]
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.[5]
The Suriname Major League started in 2024 with the following teams:[6]
| Team | Location | Stadium | Capacity | Joined | Head coach | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flora FC | Flora, Paramaribo District | Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion | 3,500 | 2024 | Rafael Everton | |
| F.C. Inter Wanica | Meerzorg, Commewijne District | Meerzorg Stadion | 1,300 | 2024 | Eugenne Remak | |
| Inter Moengotapoe | Moengo, Marowijne District | Ronnie Brunswijkstadion | 3,000 | 2024 | Ronnie Brunswijk | |
| Politie Voetbal Vrienden | Paramaribo, Paramaribo District | Mgr. Aloysius Zichem Sportcentrum | 3,000 | 2024 | Hesron Jeroe | |
| S.V. Broki | Abrabroki, Paramaribo District | Mgr. Aloysius Zichem Sportcentrum | 3,000 | 2024 | Henk Verveer (Assistant) | |
| S.V. Leo Victor | Paramaribo, Paramaribo District | Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion | 3,500 | 2024 | Rogillo Kolf | |
| S.V. Notch | Moengo, Marowijne District | Moengo Stadion | 2,000 | 2024 | Rafael Everton | |
| S.V. Robinhood | Paramaribo, Paramaribo District | Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion | 3,500 | 2024 | Roberto Godeken | |
| S.V. Transvaal | Paramaribo, Paramaribo District | André Kamperveen Stadion | 7,100 | 2024 | Raymond Mannen | |
| S.V. Voorwaarts | Paramaribo, Paramaribo District | Voorwaartsveld | 1,500 | 2024 | Werner Blackson |