Why Netball South Africa appointed Jenny Van Dyk as the new head coach

Why Netball South Africa appointed Jenny Van Dyk as the new head coach

Netball South Africa (NSA) President Cecilia Molokwane, stated that they underwent a rigorous selection process before confirming Jenny Van Dyk as the new head coach for the Proteas.

Unlike in 2019, when the national federation appointed Dorette Badenhorst without advertising the position or conducting interviews, this time they took a different approach.

READ: Netball South Africa appoints Jenny Van Dyk as the new head coach

Allegedly, senior players of the Proteas had voiced concerns about Badenhorst’s coaching philosophy, prompting feedback to the NSA, resulting in the dismissal of the coach.  

Molokwane informed SABC Sport that they have learned from past experiences and conducted a comprehensive background check on Van Dyk before finalizing her appointment.

''They had to go for interviews, they had to apply first - we advertised, which is something we did not do in 2019. Safeguarding policy in sport is very important.

''We made sure that we are not taking the wrong person - who will abuse our players. They had to do presentations and take us through their plans for the national team,'' said Molokwane.

NSA was drawn to her winning mindset, recognizing her as the ideal coach to succeed Norma Plummer.

"As I said 68 medals, 17 silvers, 11 bronze. Her performance has shown, you have seen how she has fared.  We took her to under-21, not knowing that today we will be announcing her as the head coach for the senior team,'' added Molokwane.

Van Dyk served as the head coach of the Proteas Under-21, and Molokwane disclosed that the quest for her replacement will begin this week.

 ''We have an assistant coach by the name of Precious Mthembu, if she's willing - she can take the team forward,'' she concluded.