Amanda Mynhardt, former Protea captain, has been appointed as the new TuksNetball Head Coach, effective January 2025. 

No stranger to the coaching world, Mynhardt brings a track record of success. Under her leadership, the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies) first team was crowned national school champions four times (2016, 2019, 2023, and 2024). Her teams have also dominated the Wilde Klawer Tournament in Kimberley on multiple occasions.

When speaking to Mynhardt, her unwavering passion for netball becomes evident. For her, coaching is about more than just winning—it's about ensuring every player reaches their full potential.

In December, while supposedly on holiday, she was already busy planning what needed to be done to ensure that TuksNetball teams win. According to her, this will happen if every player buys into her plans.

"I have a straightforward principle regarding coaching: that every player is unique. In other words, my coaching style is player-focused. I am a transformative coach. Coaching, for me, is not just about winning. I use netball as a tool to open doors for the players. Through the sport, they learn to be persistent and disciplined and to handle pressure. It is important to me that, in the end, they are the best version of themselves.

"I am often asked about my winning record as a coach at Affies, but that is unimportant. I want to discuss players' success stories and how they overcame setbacks.

"The reality is that not everyone is going to become top players. Many players are going to rise in the professional world. Nothing is more special to me than when I meet a player ten years later, and they come and talk to me."

Mynhardt was eight when she first started playing netball. She was selected for the South African Schools Team at the end of her high school career. As a senior player, she played 47 times for the Proteas. From 2011 to 2014, she was the captain. Playing for South Africa at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and 2011 World Cup was a definite highlight. She played as a defender.

Another highlight was being part of the SuperSport commentary team during the 2023 World Cup in South Africa.

"It was like coming a full circle because I have an honours degree in Corporate Communication Studies and Journalism."

"I wasn't the biggest player in the circle, but I made up for what I lacked in height and explosiveness. I could jump incredibly high. As a player, I needed to find ways to be competitive in the circle. Netball is definitely not just a sport for tall women."

Mynhardt enjoys trail running or participating in triathlons to relax.

"I'm not one to sit still. I'll do some form of sport forever. I can't expect the players to run around the court if I, as a coach, can't do it.

"I'm also a big fan of the arts. That's down to the journalist in me. I'm a big fan of music. All music. The one thing an artist and a coach have in common is creating something beautiful."