Balentien, who was born in the Netherlands, previously went through the youth academies of FC Utrecht and ADO Den Haag. In the summer of 2025, the forward moved to AC Milan, where he joined the youth academy. He has since also made his debut for the Italian club’s first team. Last season, he made three appearances for the senior side.
Four new faces at Natio
In addition to Balentien, Fraser has selected three other newcomers. The 22-year-old goalkeeper Mannou Berger is under contract with Feyenoord and mainly plays for the Rotterdam club’s reserve team.
Goalkeeper Sanjeev van Haren, who plays for NEC Nijmegen’s youth academy, has also been called up to Natio for the first time. The fourth newcomer is FC Utrecht defender Neville Ogidi Nwankwo, who has already played minutes for his club’s first team this season.
The four players could make their official international debuts when Suriname play a friendly against Lithuania on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The match will take place in Kaunas.
Vaessen suspended for four internationals
A notable absence from the squad is first-choice goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen. The FC Groningen goalkeeper has been suspended for four international matches by the Concacaf disciplinary committee due to his involvement in disturbances after the Nations League match against Guatemala.
During that match, Surinamese internationals were confronted with racist expressions from the stands, including monkey noises. Confrontations between players from both countries arose after the match, involving Vaessen as well. The goalkeeper received a three-match suspension for his role in the confrontation and a one-match suspension for unsporting behaviour towards the crowd.
Full Suriname squad
The 24 players called up by head coach Henk Fraser:
Goalkeepers: Sanjeev van Haren, Mannou Berger and Jahnilo Wiegel-Triebel.
Defenders: Myenty Abena, Djavan Anderson, Navajo Bakboord, Liam van Gelderen, Djevencio van der Kust, Shaquille Pinas, Neville Ogidi Nwankwo and Ridgeciano Haps.
Midfielders: Immanuel Pherai, Dhoraso Klas, Denzel Jubitana, Kenneth Paal, Shiloh ’t Zand and Justin Lonwijk.
Forwards: Sheraldo Becker, Cheveyo Balentien, Jaden Montnor, Richonell Margaret, Joël Piroe, Gyrano Kerk and Denilho Cleonise.
The friendly international against Lithuania will be played on Thursday, November 12, at the Darius en Girėnas Stadion in Kaunas. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 Surinamese time.
