Suriname’s national U15 football team has arrived in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, after a long journey. The young footballers are preparing there for the first edition of the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, which will be held from 24 to 30 October. Suriname will face, among others, Argentina and Algeria during the international youth tournament.
The squad, led by national coach Orfeo Brondenstein, departed from Suriname on Sunday, 18 October. The journey did not go entirely according to plan. In the Netherlands, the team faced delays, while upon arrival in Azerbaijan, the processing and payment of visas took additional time.
The Surinamese delegation eventually reached the hotel at around three in the morning. After the tiring journey, the players were given the opportunity to rest and recover.
The young internationals have now had their first periods of rest. The coming days will focus on acclimatisation, recovery and final preparations for the tournament.
Suriname faces strong opponents
Suriname has been placed in Group B at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, alongside Argentina, Algeria, Oman, Malawi and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan).
For the Surinamese youth players, the tournament represents a special opportunity to gain international match experience. The team will face opponents from different continents, each with their own football style and approach to play.
The tournament will be played under an adapted match format. Teams will play eight-a-side, while each match consists of two halves of 20 minutes.
After the first group stage, the participating countries will be divided across different levels based on their performances. The match schedule has been arranged so that all teams remain active until the final matchday. This gives the young footballers several opportunities to develop internationally.
International experience central
In addition to sporting performances, the tournament also focuses on the development of young talents. The players will have the opportunity to become acquainted with other football cultures and measure themselves against peers from different parts of the world.
For national coach Brondenstein and his squad, the emphasis in the coming days is on good preparation. After the long journey, the team must get used to the new surroundings and prepare physically and mentally for the first matches.
With the arrival in Baku, the first important step has been taken. From 24 October, the Surinamese talents will have the opportunity to present themselves on the international stage and defend the national colours.
