Jenny Van Dyk named new Spar Proteas coach
Jenny Van Dyk wants to set a ‘true South Africa golden standard’.
Robert Marawa speaks to Netball SA President, Cecilia Molokwana, and Spar Proteas Coach, Jenny Van Dyk.
Listen to the discussion below.
Van Dyk is the most successful coach in the Telkom Netball League with five consecutive titles for the Tshwane Jaguars.
She replaces Australian, Norma Plummer, who stepped down in December.
Former Proteas captain, Zanele Mdodana was named as the assistant coach.
The pair will lead the team for the next four years, which includes the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia.
The Proteas finished the 2023 Netball World Cup in sixth place.
“We wanted a South African, and we got one. We wanted someone with a track record and a winning coach…. And I think we got what we wanted.”
- Cecilia Molokwana, President – Netball SA
Van Dyk says it was not only her dream to be a national player, but to one day be able to coach the national team.
“It’s been something that I wanted to do my entire life and its just fantastic to see so much trust within Netball South Africa and within the country for me to get the job… It’s not about Jenny Van Dyk, its about the team, the performance, and South Africa.”
- Jenny Van Dyk, head coach – Spar Proteas
“It’s a life-long dream for me, I am just so in love with our country, and I am so excited about the journey ahead.
- Jenny Van Dyk, head coach – Spar Proteas
Netball SA president Cecilia Molokwane, Robert Marawa and Spar Proteas head coach Jenny Van Dyk. Photo: 947
Van Dyk says the mandate is to set a ‘true South African golden standard’.
“The time for admiration is done now, we need to become it now. To me that’s the journey I want to pursue with our players…. Obviously it's about winning but what will bring the win? The standard.”
- Jenny Van Dyk, head coach – Spar Proteas
Watch the interview below (skip to 5:40):