Proteas legend Zanele Mdodana calls for Netball SA to hire black coach

With Australian coach Norma Plummer set to step down in December, leading the pack for this role are current Proteas assistant Dumisani Chauke, national under-21 coach Jenny Van Dyk, and Tshwane coach Rozzane Matthyse.

READ: Jenny van Dyk shortlisted to replace Norma Plummer as Proteas coach

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mdodana, a television commentator at the ongoing SA Senior National Championships at High School Rustenburg, emphasised the importance of NSA making this announcement sooner rather than later.

"For me, it's about, if Dumi [Chauke] has been there for this period, being groomed and under the mentorship of Norma Plummer, getting all the experience of a World Cup and everything, it just makes sense that she takes that position and they look for an assistant," Mdodana advocated.

"Also, we've never had a black head coach – maybe this is the time, because it's not like you've just taken her from nowhere, she's been there and should be able to now hold that position."

Van Dyk, who presently fulfils the role of national selector at the National Championships, is scheduled to embark on a training program as an apprentice under Plummer during the upcoming Australia tour later this month. 

Subsequently, Matthyse will then undertake an apprenticeship with Plummer during the December tour to England, before NSA make its final decision on the appointment of the coach before the new year.

"I'm not quite sure if that is just to give them experience and exposure under the mentorship of Norma Plummer, but we know Dumi is there as an assistant, so is she going to take the position? Technically speaking, it should be like that," she added.

"Maybe they're look for an assistant for Dumi, I mean, that's how I would think. Otherwise, why would you have a coach there as an assistant for so many year, if your plan is not to let them take over the head coach position?"

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