NETBALL Namibia on Tuesday announced the appointment of Julene Meyer as senior national team coach for the next four years.
Meyer replaces Manuel Tjivera, and is tasked with revamping a Desert Jewels team that failed to sparkle during international competitions last year.
In addition to appointing the head coach, the board of Netball Namibia also recruited more than two coaching staff, adding the positions of assistant attack coach and assistant defence coach, which were filled by Antoinette Wentworth and Sunette Burden. Team manager Elsie du Plessis completes the new technical ensemble.
“In appointing the new team of coaches, Netball Namibia has had a critical look at the type of coaching structure and positions required to make the Namibian national netball teams competitive at international level,” Netball Namibia public relations officer Conny Samaria said in a statement.
“The aim is to ensure that the positional aspect of coaching is prioritised and players get the best assistance possible from the assistant coaches, while the head coaches will take overall responsibility for their respective teams,” he explained.
Augusta Sethie was named head coach of the senior development team, while the national under-21 side is under the tutelage of Anna Sophia Kriel, with George Vries and Naguloshi Eve Kamutushi filling the assistant attack coach and defence coach positions.
The national u19 team’s head coach is Jatjinda Tjihero. Augusta Sethie (attacking) and Marvellous Quency Khaebes (defensive) will deputise Tjihero. Team managers for the latter age categories are still to be confirmed.
“The appointed coaches are tasked with the preparation of Namibian national teams for, among others, the NN/Debmarine Pent Series 2019, African Championships held annually, under-21 World Cup qualifiers in 2020, and preparing the Desert Jewels for the next World Cup qualifiers, and u19 regional participation,” Samaria explained.
“The board wishes all appointed coaches the best, and trust that they will reclaim Namibia’s status as a netball-playing country which not only participates, but successfully competes,” he added.
“The board also wishes to thank and acknowledge the good work of the coaches whose tenure has just ended for their contributions in building and solidifying the foundations of our national teams. The board and the nation remain indebted to their commitment and sacrifice during the last three years.”
