Last week I saw the runs of both Suriname and Curacao end…
Both countries have made strides in their bids for World Cup participation.
You may be wondering why I’m talking about 2 countries in one sentence. The fact is I’m literally half Surinamese and half Curacaoan. Both countries have a special place in my heart and I truly want to see them do well.
I don’t just see it as sports… I’ve been an advocate of sports being a pillar of nationalism, of pride, of confidence in your abilities as a people. I see so many similarities (and yes that is the advantage of having both as part of your heritage), so many of the same issues and I feel sports can help with some of the major issues we’re facing in terms of mindset and confidence.
I digress (I mean seriously don’t get me started! Hahah).
I just want to acknowledge the efforts, you know. It’s been amazing to see the impact (even with limited success) that football has had in the recent years. We’ve gone from seeing our country-men represent The Netherlands for the most part…. To rooting for the Netherlands, to rooting for a (neighboring) South American country (Brazil and Argentina are popular picks), to now having the hope and believe in our own national team.
The policy change has been instrumental as diaspora now have the option to represent either Curacao or Suriname (it wasn’t allowed before all of this). But not only did we see a change in the law, but we also FINALLY saw a change in mindset. A realization that you should use all the expertise, knowledge and talent that is available to you! And hopefully down the line that being Surinamese of being from Curacao is not limited to being born in the country. It’s bigger than that! It has (to) evolve into including decedents, including immigrants, including everyone that loves the country and wants to build….
On a marketing note I’m loving the fact that both national teams used (social) media to increase awareness, to promote the games, to show behind the scenes. From flyers to professional videos, interviews, songs, behind the scenes…. All getting the message of UNITY to everyone!
Suriname has ‘Bribi na Krakti’ which is Sranan Tongo for ‘Hope is Power’ of ‘Believing is Power’
Curacao has ‘Ban Marka Historia’ which is Papiamentu for ‘Let’s make history’
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/curacaounited.cw/
Patrick Kluivert video https://www.facebook.com/461068327378229/videos/524546892123002
These are also the sources for the pics above
So what happened?
Well, Canada proved to be too much for Suriname and they won their match 4-0. This ended Suriname’s unbeaten run in the group stage (they beat Aruba, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands by a lot!) and knocked them out.
Curacao fared a bit better as they won their group and had to face Panama in away-home matches.
They lost the first matchup in Panama with a score of 2-1 and had to play a final game at home.
Which brings me to this match! I was lucky enough to attend (I say lucky cause a few weeks ago this wasn’t even allowed)! Those of you that are familiar with sports know that it’s a great feeling to root for a team together. There is a lot of energy!
It’s also funny to observe how people react to the tension. Some yell, some stay really quiet, some are suddenly the best coach in the world, it’s fun to see.
We needed one goal! Just one!
Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be, as we came close three or four times, and even hit the crossbar….
The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
It was a bitter end to an amazing run and seeing the players crash to the field after the final whistle showed how much it meant to them, to us, to Curacao.
Another part I particularly appreciated was that the crowd stayed behind to applaud the players on the field as if to say: Keep your head up, you made us proud!
What’s next???
Both Suriname and Curacao will miss out on the upcoming World Cup. However, they’re both playing in the Gold Cup tournament and that looks promising. It’s another way for the players (and the countries) to make a name for themselves. With the policy change, with the positive results, and with the marketing there are some exciting times ahead.
I for one will keep watching… Proudly!
How is your country doing?
Cheers,
