The interim coach of the Silver Ferns says the last week had been "a mix of emotions" after stepping into the role for the upcoming Taini Jamison Series against South Africa.
Last week, Netball NZ announced Dame Noeline Taurua had been stood down as the coach of the Silver Ferns for the series.
It followed ongoing discussions between Netball New Zealand (NNZ), Dame Noeline, and Silver Ferns management concerning proposed changes to their High Performance programme and environment, which could not be resolved in time for the series.
It had been reported by RNZ that concerns had been raised by some players about Dame Noeline's communication style, and after unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issues "in-house", the players requested that an independent review be carried out.
The move to stand her down had been met with some backlash from former players, and public discussion from fans who said they would no longer support the team due to the decision.
This morning interim Silver Ferns coach Yvette McCausland-Durie told Breakfast she had felt "a mix of emotions" since receiving the call up.
"It's been a mix aye, a mix of emotions," she admitted.
"Obviously on day one when we arrived in camp, I got the news late Wednesday to come in so, it's always a privilege to be in these spaces."
She said it was important for the team to focus on the job at hand and "somewhat compartmentalise how people are feeling" in order to move forward.
She said she had been in this environment previously, and "really believed in the game".
"I'm privileged to have this opportunity; I want to do the best I can, to uphold the mana and legacy of the Silver Fern brand.
"And yes, it's been damaged and yes there's been some challenge and we all accept that, but the only thing we have now to control is how we respond.”
McCausland-Durie said the issues were "a private matter".
"I can't change what’s been, I can only be there, be present, and hopefully bring a calming influence."
She said she had a huge respect for both the players and the coaches.
"So my role is really just to make sure I can keep that focus on what’s in front of us, what’s important and to take action to move forward. That in itself is a big enough challenge without adding all the other complexities.”
Asked about divided opinion on how people support the Silver Ferns now, McCausland-Durie said she understood where public opinion was coming from.
“When there’s change and there’s difference there’s a lot of moving parts. And a lot of it’s emotive, and a lot of it is about people. And when people are involved there’s that ability for people to take sides.
“I think for us, we need fans... Seven of them are new into this environment and for them that first off experience is really important.
“But the game hasn’t changed, this group want to be what they can be, they’re the best of the best in New Zealand, they’ve earnt this opportunity and they want to put that on out court.”
She urged people to come and support the team despite the “noise” in the background.
“It is their job and they’re working really hard to ensure they fulfil their duties, perform to the best of their abilities and allow that process of what’s going on in the background, minimise that noise and allow those disruptions just to be put aside in order to perform.”
The Taini Jamison series against South Africa begins on Sunday night.
SHARE ME