By Michael Madyira
Netball South Africa (NSA) has announced Jenny van Dyk as the new Spar Proteas coach to replace Norma Plummer, who retired in December.
This is despite the NSA being in the middle of a legal conflict with former coach Dorette Badenhorst, who is suing them for unfair dismissal.
Badenhorst was abruptly relieved of her duties in November 2022, a few months before the 2023 Netball World Cup.
NSA president Cecila Molokwane said the NSA did not need to consider the Badenhorst case before appointing the new coach.
“This is a matter under sub judice so I prefer not to talk about it but we have to move on, hence we appointed Jenny,” Molokwane said on SABC News.
Firing up rumours about her imminent appointment was her role in understudying Plummer during December’s Spar Proteas tour of Australia.
Van Dyk was also part of January’s selection camp where it appeared she was being groomed for the head coach role.
A former Gauteng Jaguars and Proteas Under-21 head coach, Van Dyk is now tasked with guiding her team at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia.
“I’m absolutely stoked, I couldn’t have asked for something better at this stage,” Van Dyk said.
“It is something that I have been working towards for a long time. I can’t wait to start working with the team. I am an idealist, a strategist, and an analyst. I dream big, that is what I do. Ever since I was very young I have wanted to win the World Cup and it is still something I want to do.”
Van Dyk will be assisted by former Spar Proteas captain Zanele Mdodana on a four-year contract.
Favouring Van Dyk in the NSA’s vetting process was her glowing CV as the most successful coach in the domestic Telkom Netball League after guiding the Jaguars to five straight titles.
One of her immediate tasks is to appoint the new Spar Proteas captain to replace Bongiwe Msomi, who retired in December.
Pictured above: Netball South Africa president Cecelia Molokwane hands new Spar Proteas coach Jenny van Dyk her national blazer.
Image source: Netball South Africa
