Time to reflect on the game with former SPAR Protea, Amanda Mynhardt. She played 47 international matches for the SPAR Proteas and captained the side (2011-2012). Apart from her international duties she’s also been instrumental for North West, Gauteng North, North Harbour in Aucland New Zealand and the Gauteng Golden Fireballs. Now full time coach, Amanda is still serving the game with everything she’s got. We checked in with her to reflect on her playing career and to give us some predictions and advice.
NSA: Reflecting on your career, can you highlight the best 12 players you’ve played with or against?
AM: My top 12 pick Karla Pretorius, Chrisna van Zyl, Rozanne Matthyse, Erin Burger, Yolandi Ferreira, Shadine van der Merwe, Lenize Potgieter, Leigh-Ann Zackey, Irene van Dyk, Jo Harten, Maria Folau, and of course Martha ‘Manzo’ Machoga former SPAR Protea shooter.
NSA: Tell us a bit more about one of your favourite or most memorable games as a player? What happened, any highlights, what was the score in the end?
AM: One of my most memorable games, and there has been quite a few great ones. A stand out is the game against Jamaica in 2012, we beat them on their home ground 49-56.
NSA: What have you been doing since retiring from playing national and international netball? Any highlights there?
AM: I started coaching full time. Started the Cornwall Hill College Netball Academy and right know I am still head coach at AFFIES, and we’ve been the best netball school in the country for the past five years so that’s great to be part of something like that. And also investing in the sport and giving back to up and coming players.
NSA: And during this period of isolation, what have you been up to?
AM: I’ve actually been in Jeffreys Bay for 40 days, it’s been great spending time with family and loved ones not something we get to do quite often. And I actually enjoy the online work, it’s a different challenge but I enjoy challenges.
NSA: If you could turn back the clock and use your netball knowledge of today, to give advice to the younger you, what would you tell her?
AM: Enjoy it while it lasts, learn as much a you can from team mates, coaches and mentors. Knowledge is power and you will never loose it.
NSA: Do you have a special message for fans out there who might be feeling overwhelmed during these extraordinary times?
AM: The human race is going through one of the biggest challenges ever. And we are making history right now, because we will survive this and in a few years from now, we will be the generation that survived the COVID-19 novel Coronavirus. For the first time we can’t control anything, and as humans we love to be in control of things. You are hanging onto God’s grace in these time and He will provide you with wisdom and inspiration. Enjoy the quality time you get to spend at home and with loved ones. Stay positive and get up every morning.
NSA: What about netball or training advice to players or coaches, any tips?
AM: Coaches better yourself emotionally, mentally and spiritually, prepare yourself as best as you can because you will be showing the way forward for your players. Players look after yourself, train yourself mentally and physically and enjoy the time spent at home.
NSA: South Africa had a memorable 2019 NWC campaign. What are you looking forward to about the 2023 NWC? Any predictions?
AM: Wow super excited about 2023, I can’t wait. I would love to do commentary for anyone that needs a commentator because the World Cup will be filled with action. I think if SA keeps on track like they’ve showed us they can in 2019, it shows good promise for a medal.
Thank you Amanda for taking this trip down memory lane with us and sharing your thoughts.
Photo Credit: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images, Reg Caldecott, Facebook, Sowetan.
