The final coach we chatted to in 2016 has coached the Kovsies to two Varsity Netball titles, and her name is Burta de Kock.
The most experienced coach in the competition is a former learner of Vaalharts High School in Jan Kempdorp. The school is yet to produce a Protea netball player. De Kock has been involved in coaching for 32 years now and is at the helm of the Kovsies since 2002.
She is a former Proteas head coach (2006 and 2007) and was also an assistant coach in 2010 and 2011.
What position did you play in your playing days?
Goal shooter and goal attack.
What is the highest level you played at?
SA Country Districts (Free State/Northern Cape).
What made you decide to go into coaching?
My passion and love for the game. Also to help lay a foundation for players who love netball.
What coach has played the biggest role in your coaching career?
Christine de Villiers and Betta Maartens. Their passion for netball had a big influence on me.
Who was the very first team you coached?
The first team of President Steyn, a hostel at Kovsies.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as the coach of Kovsies?
When we had six Kovsies in the national team in 2007. They were Adéle Niemand, Anchen du Plessis, Karin Venter, Elzet Engelbrecht, Maryka Holtzhausen and Doretha Joubert.
Who are the players that you have coached at Kovsies that have since become Proteas?
Charlene Hertzog, Adéle Niemand, Anchen du Plessis, Karla Mostert, Karin Venter, Maryka Holtzhausen, Carine Terblanche, Elzet Engelbrecht, Lauren-Lee Christians, Annari Store, Doretha Joubert and Anja Opperman.
Most memorable win in Varsity Netball until now?
Winning the trophy in 2013 and 2014 and the Player of the Tournament award going to Ané Botha (2013) and Karla Mostert (2014 and 2015).
And what’s that one defeat that still gives you nightmares?
The defeat to Pukke in last year’s semi-final in Bloemfontein by 56-48 (the one and only one Kovsies suffered in the competition and against all odds).
How do you try to stay up to date in terms of new netball strategies and coaching methods?
I dig into the internet, attend workshops and through creative thinking by watching games. I share and ask other coaches.
If you were asked to come up with one new innovation for Varsity Netball, what would that be?
Nothing. There is nothing more we can ask for; everything is fantastic as it is!
