Netball: Turmoil as SA netball heads roll

By Suzanne McFadden


The South African netball team are up against it on their tour to New Zealand next month after turmoil in the sport in their country.

The entire executive of Netball South Africa were thrown out yesterday after a Government inquiry found they were "too old and too white."

Although the sackings may not directly affect the team, who have already been chosen for the three-test tour, they also face a change in leadership - with a new captain and their third coach since last year's Commonwealth Games.

The inquiry into the executive was launched by the National Sports Council. It came after the Netball South Africa committee were grilled by a parliamentary portfolio committee on sport, in the aftermath of apartheid, earlier this year.

The taskforce report said the executive were "unfortunately ... too old, too white" and they have 60 days to finish their term.

Other sports have been warned to make radical changes to their controlling bodies or face legislation like netball has.

Netball South Africa has made moves in recent years to include black netballers in their competitions, but a distinct gulf still remains between black and white associations.

A minimum number of black players had to be included in the South African national team. At least three will tour New Zealand next month.

The team will be coached by Louise du Plessis, a former international umpire who whistled at the last world championships in England.

Coach Marlene Wagner was dropped after South Africa finished fourth at the Commonwealth Games, and replaced by now assistant coach Bennie Saayman.

New Zealand coach Yvonne Willering, who helped to coach the South Africans at the 1995 world champs, worked closely with du Plessis in South Africa.

"She loves to win. I could see them doing quite well under her," Willering said.

The South Africans also have a new captain, the lanky goal-shoot Irene van Dyk, back after having a baby last year.

For once, van Dyk, at 1.9m, won't tower over her team-mates. Only four of the 12 tourists are shorter than 1.8m (5ft 11in).

"We won't be able to play over them - we'll have to play around them," Willering said.

"I really looking forward to this series because we will have played almost every style before we get to the world champs."





RECOVERING: Anna Rowberry is likely to sit out the trial but be ready for the tests. PICTURE / FOTOPRESS