Is it raining in Cape Town? This is the question that Lana Krige asks you when you phone her to chat about her Madibaz netball team. This is because this coach is actually a “Boervrou” from the small Klipplaat community outside Jansenville in the Eastern Cape. But during the Varsity Netball season, her husband, Justin, has to hire extra help, because she is not around much to help on their farm, Blaauwboschkuil.
This is because this coach is actually a “Boervrou” from the small Klipplaat community outside Jansenville in the Eastern Cape. But during the Varsity Netball season, her husband, Justin, has to hire extra help, because she is not around much to help on their farm, Blaauwboschkuil.
She arrived back home on Tuesday afternoon after the Madibaz’s two games in Pretoria on the weekend. On Wednesday afternoon she travelled the 150km journey back to Port Elizabeth for training.
Coaching in Port Elizabeth also gives her an opportunity to say hello to her daughter, Lily (9), who is at school there. The Madibaz, who are fifth on the log with 15 points, play the Pukke at home on Monday. Krige is in her second season as the coach of the Port Elizabeth students.
This former South African netball player was also coach of the national Fast5 team in 2012. But playing and coaching always revolved around her children. She also has two sons, Hilton (17) and Duncan (16), who are learners at Kingswood College in Grahamstown.
Krige said the team is having a good season, but have made things difficult for themselves by losing against Tuks and Kovsies. Madibaz finished in fourth place last season.
“We have made silly mistakes, like letting the ball slip through our fingers. They weren’t mistakes made under pressure. We now have a very difficult road to the semi-finals. We will have to beat Pukke and Maties and earn a bonus point,” said Krige.
Because of injuries, she has had to move players too. Defender Nobubele Phuza is now playing at centre. Krige said that she is excited about her talent in this position.
“We also have Bianca Blom and Jeanie Steyn back after injuries. Carla (Viviers) also is an exciting prospect for the future,” said Krige.
Viviers is a debutant and plays goal shooter. Krige, a former defender, played 82 tests for South Africa between 1995 and 1999 and then took a four-year break to start a family. She played for the Proteas again in 2003 and formally retired from playing in 2004.
Krige said she is a stern coach, but doesn’t believe in raising her voice.
“Sometimes it is necessary to speak louder if things aren’t going as planned. I can guide a player to take the best decision, but ultimately she must do it. A player has to decide for herself that she wants to make a difference. Her pride is at stake. I can’t be your motivator all the time.”
Madibaz has enlisted the help of habit analyst Guy Krige.
“If you are aware of your habits, you can improve on them and have a bigger chance of success,” said Krige.
