Dr. Elsje Jordaan raises hand to coach the Proteas netball team

Jordaan raised her hand for the permanent coaching position after Netball South Africa (NSA) CEO Blanche de la Guerre confirmed to the public broadcaster that current Proteas coach Norma Plummer would step down after the World Cup in Cape Town.

De la Guerre said NSA would appoint a local coach to replace Plummer, who succeeded Dorette Badenhorst towards the end of 2022.

"It is always a privilege to coach your country, and I'd love the opportunity to coach the Proteas – absolutely, and if the NSA approaches me, I would not hesitate to sign on the dotted line," Jordaan told SABC Sport.

"When your country calls, it is an honour, and you do not hesitate to answer. It would be a great honour for me to coach my country. My dream job is to coach the Proteas."

At the age of 77, Plummer already made it clear that she would not carry on with her coaching duties post the global showpiece and wants to retire back home in Australia.

Jordaan and Jenny van Dyk – current coach of the Gauteng Jaguars – are among the favourites to replace Plummer later this year.

Jordaan recently won the Telkom Netball League (TNL) with the Golden Fireballs and the National Netball Championships with Johannesburg in what capped a historic 2022.

"It was such an incredible year for us, and we worked hard, and the team came together beautifully. To win the [national] title for the first time was special for the team,” she added.

Jordaan also unearthed Proteas goal shooter Nomfundo Mngomezulu, who walked away with the player of the tournament award at the national senior championships last year.

She is optimistic about the national team's chances of making the podium at the World Cup on home soil.

"I follow them regularly and support the Proteas, and I am excited about the World Cup. We can make the podium, but we should use our chances to play quality netball," she highlighted.

"And I think the Quad Series showed us there is not much difference between the top countries and the Proteas – they can make the podium at home."