Senior Silver Ferns player Karin Burger has spoken out about the disruption of losing coach Dame Noeline Taurua on the eve of the Taini Jamison series against South Africa, calling the situation “sad and frustrating”.
Speaking to 1News today, Burger is the first current player in the squad to talk about the sudden demotion of Dame Noeline, which has resulted in the appointment of interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie.
Dame Noeline was stood down recently by Netball New Zealand. It has been reported 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.
Burger, speaking to 1News sports reporter Jordan Oppert in Christchurch today, said it was important the players had their collective voice heard in a situation where former players, such as Laura Langman, had been vocal in support of Dame Noeline.
Former skipper Langman described Netball New Zealand’s move as the “saddest decision in New Zealand’s proud netball history”, adding she was “devastated” by it.
New Zealand play South Africa in the three-Test Taini Jamison series starting in Auckland on Sunday.
“There has been quite a lot of chat out there and not necessarily much coming from the players’ perspective,” Burger said today. “It’s important for us to be able to voice that, especially coming into the TJ series.
“It’s been a tough week, probably more so emotionally and mentally for a lot of the players.
“Physically, we have a really good plan in place to prepare us for what we’re coming up against. There is a process in place to prepare for the mental and emotional side as well… so we can focus on what we need to so come Sunday.”
Asked whether she was disappointed that former players and management had weighed in on the controversy, Burger said: “To me it just shows the passion there is from past players and management and people from the past… everybody is allowed their own opinion and rightly so due to their experience.
“From the current group it’s sad and frustrating that it’s got to this point and we’re just ready for it to be over so we can move on and play.”
Dame Noeline was stood down by Netball NZ over concerns about her communication style. (Source: 1News)
Asked whether there was a divide in the camp, Burger replied: “Definitely not. We’ve had a really good camp. We need to acknowledge that when you have a group of people regardless of who you are, people are going to have different experiences and opinions and feelings and it’s important that those are heard.
“We’re very united and we need to be one page in terms of where we are going and this last week has been really good in that sense…”
Burger added: “I played under Noels for eight years and was able to foster a really good relationship with her… I value the time I spent with her. But I acknowledge I’m speaking on behalf of the group and can only speak to my experience.
“I’m a positive thinker and I hope there’s a really positive resolution that comes out of this.”
She said despite the controversy she and her teammates had been heartened by support from fans.
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