SV Real Sranang exists 62 years. Founded in 1960 by a number of migrants from Suriname, the club from Amsterdam has grown into more than a football club. Program maker Koen Bugter explores what makes the club so special in a four-part series.
The family character of SV Real Sranang is something that immediately stands out. People look at each other, says chairman Jerrel Linger, former top scorer of FC Lisse. “Since the early 1970s, when I came here as a little boy, everyone looked out for each other. If you wanted something to eat, you could ask one or the other uncle. It wasn’t even really your uncle, but if your father got on well with a friend, it would automatically become your uncle or aunt.”
The typical Amsterdam hostess Tinie endorses that family bond. “Everyone calls me Aunt Tinie. They all shake hands, are all friendly. I also feel part of the Real Sranang family.” Tinie was chairman of SC Voorland for many years (1974-2015). She was then welcomed with open arms at Real Sranang. “I pass the lemonade around and make sure the referee has a cold drink during halftime. That’s typical Real: everyone helps. One does that in the kitchen and the other does the laundry. I feel at home here.”
Multicultural city
Former player Hendrik Comvalius, also known from d’Ons Foundation, thinks back fondly on his time at Real Sranang: “It was a very nice place to speak Surinamese. Because you didn’t use it in everyday life. At Sranang you also needed it in the field. With short Surinamese words you understand each other better and the game goes faster. The opponent often didn’t understand,” said a smiling Comvalius. Speaking the language is not always a recipe for success. “Amsterdam is a multicultural city, so at some point people understood a few words. Then the Dutch said: ‘Get him, he said this and that’.”
What is striking about Sranang is that everyone contributes to the success and fun of the club and fulfills multiple tasks without batting an eyelid. For example, former player Comvalius happens to see that the laundry needs to be done and rolls up his sleeves without hesitation. Chairman Linger also contributes and stands behind the bar as a bartender. “You follow a good example, don’t you? I really enjoy doing it.”
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