Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Yanga Sibembe
Published on 2024-02-28 22:27:47
Jenny van Dyk, a highly respected domestic netball coach, has been appointed as the new head coach of the South African national netball team, with the goal of leading them to their first Netball World Cup medal since 1995. This announcement was made by Netball South Africa at the Multichoice headquarters in Randburg, where van Dyk was revealed as the successor to Norma Plummer, who guided the team to a sixth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup.
Van Dyk, who previously coached the U-21 team and has an impressive track record of success with the Gauteng Jaguars in the Telkom Netball League, emerged as the top candidate among four applicants after an extensive selection process. Netball SA President Cecelia Molokwane emphasized the importance of finding the right person for the job, highlighting the thorough interview and vetting process that took place to ensure the coach’s suitability for the role.
The new Proteas coach expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team towards their goals, emphasizing that her focus is on maintaining the team’s position as the top team in Africa. Van Dyk will be supported by former Proteas captain Zanele Mdodana, whose experience and passion for the sport make her an invaluable asset to the coaching team.
Looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup, van Dyk and Mdodana are determined to work towards putting South Africa on the podium and ultimately securing a gold medal for the team. Their first opportunity to showcase their vision for the team will come in a home series against an as-yet-unconfirmed opponent in September or October of 2024.
For van Dyk and Mdodana, this new chapter in their coaching careers represents a chance to inspire and motivate the current Proteas players to reach new heights in their performance. By fostering a culture of teamwork, dedication, and excellence, the coaching duo aims to create a winning mentality that will propel the team towards success on the international stage.
As they embark on this journey together, van Dyk and Mdodana are committed to realizing the full potential of the South African national netball team and bringing pride and joy to the country through their achievements. With a clear focus on building a strong foundation and instilling a sense of belief and determination in their players, the coaching team is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of netball in South Africa.
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