Each week Varsity Netball introduces one of the eight talented coaches in the competition. This week it’s former Protea, Lana Krige, who’s coaching Madibaz once again. She coached the team in the first year of Varsity Netball in 2013 and took over from Dumisani Chauke this year. Chauke, who coached the Madibaz in 2014 and 2015, left the Friendly City for Pretoria.
Krige started at the former PE Technicon (that became the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2005) back in 2000. She went to school in Vredendal on the West Coast and has been involved in coaching since 1991.
What position did you play in your playing days?
At school I was a centre, but when I arrived at Maties, my coach, Sandra du Plessis, made put me in goal defence. I played wing defence, goal defence and goal keeper for the national team.
What is the highest level you played at?
I played for the Proteas in 80 Tests from 1995 to 1999 and again between 2003 and 2004.
What made you decide to go into coaching?
At Maties we were encouraged to coach as a source of reinforcement of good habits. After that I just enjoyed the “making plans” and the interaction with the players and life just steered me in that direction.
Which coach has played the biggest role in your coaching career?
Sandra du Plessis in earlier years, and Elize Kotzé – she took me to a new level and incorporated me in the Proteas’ coaching staff.
Who was the very first team you coached?
Rhenish Girls’ High School Under-16C and D team in Stellenbosch.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as the coach of Maties?
We came third in 2013 and ended second on the log. But our biggest achievement is the fact that we enable girls to get a qualification that will be able to set them up for life.
Who are the players that you have coached at Maties that have since become Proteas? Nontle Gwavu, Zanele Mdodana, Mampho Tsotetsi, Yolandi Saalmans, Simi Mdaka, Zanele Vimbela.
Most memorable win in Varsity Netball until now?
The win over Maties in 2013 in PE by 51-30. It is still the only time we’ve beaten them in Varsity Netball.
And what’s that one defeat that still gives you nightmares?
Losing to UP-Tuks at home in 2013 by a single goal (44-45). I made a change in my shooting circle when they called time…
How do you try to stay up to date in terms of new netball strategies and coaching methods?
Through watching lots of sport and surfing the net for handy info.
If you were asked to come up with one new innovation for Varsity Netball, what would that be?
I would like to see the introduction of rolling subs.
