In 1978 Purperhart took over a player–coach function for S.V. Leo Victor before retiring as a player and fully committing himself to his managerial role. In 1996, he was appointed manager of the Suriname national team for their 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. His side was eliminated by Jamaica 1–0 in the 2nd qualifying round. He also managed Suriname to a fourth place finish in the 1996 Caribbean Cup, losing to Martinique 3–2 on penalties after extra time, following a 1–1 deadlock, in the match for third place.