Marisa Papen: Suriname vice-president Ronnie Brunswijk makes professional debut at 60: Wanted by Interpol, 50 children…

Suriname vice-president Ronnie Brunswijk makes professional debut at 60: Wanted by Interpol, 50 children…

Oldest player ever in CONCACAF

In one of football’s most surreal moments, Suriname’s vice-president, Ronnie Brunswijk, a man wanted by Interpol, made his professional debut at 60 years old in the CONCACAF League.

The former guerrilla lined up for Inter Moengotapoe, the team he owns, against Olimpia from Honduras. The Hondurans won 6-0 in the last 16 first-leg match.

Brunswijk, who is older than the CONCACAF organisation itself, played 53 minutes and his son also started the game.

Wanted by Interpol

Brunswijk will be unable to play the second leg as he cannot leave Suriname, because he is wanted by Interpol for drug trafficking crimes.

The politician is well used to such controversy owing to his past as a guerrilla and drug trafficker. He also robbed banks in his youth and has fathered some 50 children. Professional footballer is the latest addition to a curious CV.

In yet more absurdity, a video has emerged of the vice-president handing out money to the Honduran players in their dressing room after the match.